Ferocactus

Cactus family. Homeland - desert areas of Mexico and the southern United States. This genus contains about 35 species. Most ferocacti that have become widespread in indoor conditions do not bloom, but are appreciated for the uniqueness and beauty of the thorns. Pherocactus has its own peculiarity - during the growth period, sweet syrup is released from the center of the rosette of spines, which solidifies, forming sugar crystals. It is recommended to carefully remove or rinse with a brush moistened in alcohol.

• Ferocactus latispinus is a spherical stem, slightly flattened, ribs of the order of 15-23, with large areoles. Radial spines from 6 to 12, they are white-pink, up to 20 mm long. 2-3 central spines, all directed upward, only one differs in color - yellowish or reddish, flat, wide and directed downward by a hook. The flowers are red or purple, the diameter of the corolla is about 5 cm.
• Ferocactus emoryi - the stem is spherical, gradually stretches, becomes cylindrical. Ribs of the order of 22-30, thin with slight tuberosity, white large areoles. Radial spines from 6 to 8, they are white, white-pink, in old cacti almost red, very long on average 4-5, up to 6 cm long. One central spine up to 10 cm long, bent at the end by a hook. The flowers are red or yellow, from 5.5 to 7.5 cm in diameter.
• Ferocactus powerful Ferocactus robustus - this species branches well in the basal zone and forms very wide curtains, columns. An individual plant is small in size, but all together reach several meters in width and up to 1 m in height, forming cactus reefs. The stems are small , dark green in color, often with a red-gray tint. Ribs 8, thin, lumpy. Areoles are large, young white, gray with age, almost invisible among thorns. Radial spines 10-14, awl-shaped, gray-brown. Central spines 4-6, red-brown or horn color, straight, square in section, sometimes flattened laterally. The lower central spine is longer, up to 6 cm long, also straight. The flowers are yellow-orange about 4 cm in diameter.
• Ferocactus porcupine Ferocactus hystrix - in young stems spherical, in old ones in nature - barrel-shaped, of low decorative quality. The species has many forms and variations, differing in the number and shape of spines. Most do not like the bright midday sun in spring and summer, unlike many other pherocactus. In addition, they are sensitive to root rot, to such an extent that in culture they are most often grown grafted, and not on their own roots.

Care for ferocactus

Temperature: Mild in summer, more fresh air the better. In winter, the rest period is at a temperature of + 8-10 ° С, at least + 5 ° С, with dry content.

Lighting: Bright sunshine in both winter and summer for most species. Some species prefer light shade during midday hours on sunny summer days.

Watering: moderate in spring and summer, after thoroughly drying the soil. Since autumn, watering is reduced, and in winter without watering with cold maintenance. Try to water in such a way that water does not linger on the surface of the soil, for this the neck of the cactus should be surrounded not by soil (earth), but by fragments of the upper drainage (pebbles, gravel). If the water is too hard, contains impurities of calcium, iron, then a brown crust may appear on the lower part of the stem, this is not a disease, but try to water when watering so that the water spreads at the walls of the pot, and not along the trunk and near the neck.

Top dressing: from late spring to mid-summer, ferocactus is a special fertilizer for cacti.

Air humidity: Pherocacti are resistant to dry air, but regular spraying with warm water is very beneficial.

Transplant: annually in March - April. The soil is the 2 part of the sod, the 1 part of the sheet, the 1 part of the peat land, the 1 part of the sand and brick chips. Up to 20% clay is also added to the soil. Young ferocactus are transplanted annually, old after a few years. Soil pH is about 7-7.2. Pherocactus are sensitive to soil waterlogging. Therefore, both the lower and upper ones make good drainage in the pot, and crumbs of birch coals can be added to the soil.

Pherocactus grow slowly, so they do not need frequent transplants and large pots. The need arises when the roots begin to crawl out of the drainage holes.

Reproduction: seeds that sprout easily and are immediately covered with strong spines. Vegetative way and vaccinations practically do not multiply.

Read more about the features of various maintenance modes, transplantation and reproduction in the section Cacti.

Pherocactus are very sensitive to sudden temperature changes and drafts. Therefore, they need to be accustomed to fresh air carefully. In winter, if there is a sharp drop in temperature, for example, if the window is opened, cracks and brown crusts on the stem appear on the pherocactus, which disfigure the plant.