About

This solitary cactus to 20cm diameter, with a spherical, grey-green stem and about 21 warty ribs. In summer funnel-shaped pink flowers are produced. It bears fine, white radial spines and stiff, flattened, brown central spines.

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, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2

Plant details

Plant typeCactus Succulent
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants
Native toMexico

Care notes

CultivationGrow in cactus compost in a sunny position. Water moderately during the growing season and keep almost dry in winter. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 21°C in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to stem and root rots if overwatered