erocactus horridus 'Fishhook Barrel'
Description: Ferocactus horridus, commonly known as the Fishhook Barrel Cactus, is a species of cactus native to Mexico. It belongs to the Cactaceae family and is characterized by its barrel-shaped body covered in prominent, hooked spines. The spines are typically yellow to reddish-brown and can grow up to several inches long, giving the cactus a fierce and formidable appearance. The barrel-shaped body of Ferocactus horridus can grow up to 3 feet (about 1 meter) tall and 1.5 feet (about 0.5 meters) wide in optimal conditions.
Distribution: Ferocactus horridus is native to central Mexico, where it thrives in arid and rocky desert habitats. It is adapted to hot and dry climates, often found growing in well-draining soils on hillsides or rocky slopes.
Care Tips:
Light:
Requirement: Full sun.
Details: Ferocactus horridus thrives in bright, direct sunlight. Place it in a location where it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, preferably outdoors in a sunny spot or indoors near a south-facing window.
Watering:
Requirement: Low watering.
Details: Water sparingly during the growing season (spring and summer), allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering in the winter months when the cactus enters dormancy.
Soil:
Requirement: Well-draining soil.
Details: Plant Ferocactus horridus in a well-draining cactus potting mix or sandy soil. Good drainage is essential to prevent waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Temperature:
Requirement: Warm temperatures.
Details: Ferocactus horridus prefers temperatures between 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C) during the growing season. It can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 50°F (10°C) but should be protected from frost and freezing conditions.
Humidity:
Requirement: Low humidity.
Details: Ferocactus horridus is adapted to dry, low-humidity environments. It does not require additional humidity and prefers good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal issues.
Fertilizing:
Requirement: Minimal fertilization.
Details: Fertilize Ferocactus horridus sparingly with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half-strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the winter dormancy period.
Repotting:
Requirement: Infrequent repotting.
Details: Repot Ferocactus horridus every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its container. Use a slightly larger pot with adequate drainage holes to accommodate its root system.
Propagation:
Requirement: Offsets or seeds.
Details: Propagate Ferocactus horridus from offsets (pups) that grow around the base of the parent plant. Carefully separate these offsets and replant them in their own containers. Alternatively, it can be propagated from seeds, although this method requires patience due to the slow growth rate of the cactus.
By following these care guidelines, you can successfully cultivate Ferocactus horridus (Fishhook Barrel Cactus) and appreciate its striking form and resilience in your succulent collection or desert garden landscape.