Ferocactus viridescens

Barrel Cactus

Photo of Ferocactus viridescens - Barrel Cactus

No photo for the moment for Ferocactus viridescens - Barrel Cactus

Add a photo of Ferocactus viridescens

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:

Barrel Cactus

Plant Type:

Flower color:

Sun (From 0 to 5):

4

Water (From 0 to 5):

1

Maximum temperature:

40°C

Minimum temperature:

10°C

Maximum height:

40 cm

Maximum width:

45 cm

Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus viridescens) - Description

Ferocactus viridescens is an extremely rare, small barrel-shaped cacti with large spines and small flowers. They are native to Southern California and to Northern Baja California. Compact and nearly circular in shape they make a great addition to a native planting plan in those locations.

Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus viridescens) - Blooming

Barrel cacti bloom later than most other cacti.

Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus viridescens) - 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.

Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus viridescens) - Planting

Sow seeds in spring at 50-68°F (10-20°C).

Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus viridescens) - Pest

Mealybugs. Ferocactus are also susceptible to cactus virus X and fungal rots.

Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus viridescens) - 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.

Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus viridescens) - 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.