About
Ferocactus glaucescens, the glaucous barrel cactus, is a silvery-green, globose to cylindrical cactus to 60 cm tall with yellow spines to 2.5 cm long and trumpet-shaped, bright-yellow flowers 3�4 cm across in summer. A neat and ornamental barrel cactus for a sunny, dry garden or heated greenhouse.
About the genus
Ferocactus, the barrel cacti, are spherical to columnar cacti from the deserts of Mexico and the south-western United States, with prominent ribs bearing spiny areoles � the spines sometimes strongly hooked � and funnel-shaped flowers in summer. Architectural and drought-tolerant plants for sunny, dry gardens and heated glasshouses.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Houseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toE Mexico
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