Ferocactus peninsulae
Townsend Barrel Cactus
Photo of Ferocactus peninsulae - Townsend Barrel Cactus
No photo for the moment for Ferocactus peninsulae - Townsend Barrel Cactus
Please note: You must be the owner of the posted photo and it must not be copyrighted.
Things You Must Knows cannot be held responsible for photos posted in violation of this rule
Common Name:
Plant Type:
Foliage color:
GreenSun (From 0 to 5):
Water (From 0 to 5):
Maximum temperature:
Minimum temperature:
Maximum height:
Maximum width:
Townsend Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus peninsulae) - Description
This native to the Baja peninsula is a good landscaping option as it can do well in cooler coastal climates of the west coast. Yellow blooms with dark red centers grace this cactus in the spring time. Additional bonus about this barrel cactus is that its spines are a bright red upon emerging giving it a distinct glow in the desert landscape.
Townsend Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus peninsulae) - Blooming
Barrel cacti bloom later than most other cacti.
Townsend Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus peninsulae) - Growth
They are desert dwellers and can cope with some frost and intense heat. In cultivation they require full sun, and little water but good drainage. Does well in low humidity. Miniature varieties do well in containers if put in a south window. Full sun leads to better spination.
Townsend Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus peninsulae) - Planting
Sow seeds in spring at 50-68°F (10-20°C).
Townsend Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus peninsulae) - Pest
Mealybugs. Ferocactus are also susceptible to cactus virus X and fungal rots.
Townsend Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus peninsulae) - Interesting facts
Tipped over barrel cacti are not due to being top-heavy with water, but from their habit of growing towards the sun. Getting water from a wild Ferocactus is a lot more difficult than legends suggest, and usually illegal as wild plants are protected by state laws.
Townsend Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus peninsulae) - Soil and irrigation
A desert native, this cactus requires no irrigation. Try to keep dry in winter, or at least protect from heavy rains (especially the root zone). Ferocactus does best in poor soil that is fast-draining. In containers, use a cactus soil mix with perlite.
