About

Ferocactus pilosus, the Mexican fire barrel cactus, is a slow-growing barrel cactus reaching up to 3 m in the wild, though much smaller in cultivation. The rich-green, deeply ribbed stem bears areoles with coarse red spines and fine, thread-like white bristles. In early summer, widely-flaring red or yellow flowers appear in a ring around the top of the stem. A spectacular and architectural cactus for a 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, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2

Plant details

Plant typeCactus Succulent, Houseplants
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 resistanceGenerally disease-free, but may be susceptible to stem and root rots if overwatered
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