About

A cactus with a solitary, globose, grey-green, ribbed stem to 25cm diameter, with whitish radial spines and long, grey or red, flattened and twisted central spines. Flowers 4cm, funnel-shaped, purplish-pink.

About the genus

Ferocactus are spherical to columnar cacti with prominent ribs bearing spiny areoles, the spines sometimes hooked, and funnel-shaped flowers in summer

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2

Plant details

Plant typeCactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants

Care notes

CultivationGrow under glass in a standard cactus compost, in bright, filtered light, with low humidity. When in growth water moderately and feed every two or three weeks with a balanced liquid feed. Keep almost dry in the winter
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 10 - 20°C in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free