White & Grey Gradient Series | Magic Cloud Cactus - Square Cement Planter

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51289636646_0b17a2f081_o.jpg 【This item is available for pre-order.】 Production begins after an order is placed. Estimated shipping is around 7 working days. Thank you for your understanding. 🚨🚨🚨 One item, one photo! This is the actual plant available and there is only one. It will be removed from the listing once sold. 🚨🚨🚨 'Magic Cloud', scientifically known as Melocactus matanzanus, is a cactus from the Melocactus genus (also known as Turk's Cap cacti). It is spherical or oblong with distinct ribs. The spines vary in length, with many types having very formidable and vibrantly colored spines. Its primary characteristic is that its mature spherical body develops a disc-shaped cephalium at the apex, composed of wool and bristles, commonly referred to as a 'cloud hat'. Once it reaches flowering age, the cephalium emerges at the top, and it can continue to grow taller. In some species, the height of the cephalium can exceed the size of the main body, which is entirely different from the Echinocactus genus that only develops a very thin layer of floral tissue. The newly formed parts of the cephalium are typically brightly colored. Once the cephalium forms, the main body of the cactus stops growing. The small flowers are usually hidden within the cephalium, but the fruits are club-shaped or ovate, a striking bright red or coral red against the cephalium, making them highly noticeable. The seeds are easily collected, so propagation is typically done through seed sowing. The term 'cloud hat' (雲座, yún zuò) refers to the mature 'cephalium' of the Melocactus genus of cacti. It is named 'cloud hat' because its cephalium resembles clouds. While areoles (刺座, cì zuò) on cacti are where flowers and offsets emerge, some cacti divide their growth into two phases: the juvenile stage, where they focus on growing taller and larger, with areoles incapable of flowering; and the mature stage, where areoles concentrate their growth, forming a dense aggregation of spines and wool – this is the cephalium. At this point, the aggregated areoles have the ability to flower. This 'Magic Cloud' cactus has not yet developed its cephalium and is still in its youthful stage! The cephalium at the apex of the spherical body is the most striking feature of the Melocactus genus. Its shape resembles a pie or a cake. When it flowers, it looks like a cake decoration, and when it fruits, it resembles small candles on a cake – a truly charming sight. However, this 'Magic Cloud' is still very young and has not yet developed its cephalium. Let's look forward to its transformation together! The distinction between Melocactus curvispinus (層雲) and Melocactus matanzanus (魔雲) can often be confusing. Here are a few points to help differentiate them: Magic Cloud (魔雲) Form: Solitary plant, spherical, 8-9 cm in diameter, dark grey-green body. Features 8-9 shallow, straight ribs that curve towards the body. 7-8 radial spines; 1 central spine; new spines reddish-brown, old spines light brown. Flowers: Pale red cephalium, with small pale peach-colored flowers and pale peach-colored fruits. Layered Cloud (層雲) Form: Solitary plant, spherical, 12-14 cm in diameter, dark green body. Features 10-15 ribs with high crests. 8-9 light brown needle-like radial spines; 1 brown central spine. Flowers: Cephalium between purple-red and white, with small peach-colored flowers, followed by red fruits. | Sunlight | Grows well in full sun with good ventilation. Ample sunlight promotes flowering. Avoid direct exposure to intense summer sun to prevent sunburn and scorching. | Watering | It grows during warmer temperatures. Water thoroughly only after the growing medium has completely dried out, approximately every 7-10 days. During the cold dormant period, reduce or cease watering to aid overwintering, watering about every two weeks depending on conditions. | Soil | To prevent root rot and other issues, use a well-draining and breathable potting mix. | Temperature | Not cold-hardy in winter. It's recommended to expose it to winter sunlight. During cold snaps, bring it indoors for protection. With dry soil and sufficient sunlight, it can overwinter safely at temperatures above 5°C (41°F). If temperatures can be maintained above 10°C (50°F), light watering can continue to encourage continuous flowering and fruiting, making the cephalium appear particularly beautiful. 📝 Key Care Notes: Full sun, good ventilation, well-draining and breathable potting mix, water thoroughly when dry, water every 7-10 days in summer, and every two weeks in winter. 📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏 ◾️ Medium Square Pot Dimensions: 8.5cm x 8.5cm x 8.5cm Inner Pot Dimensions: 7.2cm x 7.2cm x 7.4cm (inner height) ◾️ Square Saucer Dimensions: 10.5cm x 10.5cm 📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏 Handcrafted cement texture, unique white and grey gradient two-tone design, created through manual mixing. This plant comes pre-potted. We package it with utmost care and apply "fragile" stickers. Minor displacement of pebbles, soil, or the plant itself during transit due to unavoidable bumps by delivery personnel is normal. Please gently re-settle the plant upon receiving it. ⭕️ Hexagonal, round, square, and oval saucers are available for separate purchase to complement the pot and catch any excess water. (The default saucer color is white and grey gradient. Please contact us for custom color requests.) ⭕️ If the ordered item is in stock, it will be shipped promptly. If stock is insufficient, we will confirm with you before commencing production. Please check your emails or messages after placing your order. Thank you again! (If you wish to see photos of the actual in-stock item, please send us a private message to request them ✉️) ⭕️ We can create custom colors based on your specific needs. 🎨 (If you have a customization request, please contact us beforehand to discuss feasibility before placing an order for the custom service.) ⚠️ Custom orders require approximately 5 days for molding, air-drying, demolding, and finishing. If you need the item urgently, please do not order custom-made items. Only purchase in-stock items. ⚠️ Please note: Due to the nature of pure handmade cement casting, slight air bubbles and pores are inevitable. Each pot possesses unique textures, patterns, pores, and surface irregularities that do not affect its structural integrity; these are considered part of the design. If you are particularly concerned about variations in the appearance of cement pieces, please consider carefully or contact us to discuss before purchasing. Items are non-returnable once sold. Thank you! ⚠️ If sufficient stock is available, you may inquire via private message for photos and select your preferred piece from our collection of cement creations.