Ferocactus wislizeni
Fishhook Barrel Cactus
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Fishhook Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni) - Description
F. wislizenii is native to Arizona, Texas, and Mexico. It is similar to F. cylindraceus, but with yellow or yellow-edged red flowers in the summer. It has a very pleasing elliptical shape as it is taller than it is wide. In nature it has a tendency to 'lean' south as it stretches towards the most intense sun. Over its 50 to 100 year life span this lean can get so pronounced that it is susceptible to flopping over.
Fishhook Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni) - Blooming
Barrel cacti bloom later than most other cacti.
Fishhook Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni) - 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.
Fishhook Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni) - Planting
Sow seeds in spring at 50-68°F (10-20°C).
Fishhook Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni) - Pest
Mealybugs. Ferocactus are also susceptible to cactus virus X and fungal rots.
Fishhook Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni) - 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.
Fishhook Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni) - 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.
