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Cactus Succulent

Ferocactus latispinus
  • RHS AGM

Devil's tongue barrel cactus

A globular cactus to 25cm diameter, with 21 well-defined ribs. It bears fine white radial spines, and thick, red or brown, flattened central spines. In winter it produces pink, funnel-shaped flowers

Other common names
candy cactus
crow's claw cactus

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green Pink
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Cactaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Ferocactus are spherical to columnar cacti with prominent ribs bearing spiny areoles, the spines sometimes hooked, and funnel-shaped flowers in summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Central S. Mexico

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in cactus compost in a sunny position. Water moderately during the growing season and keep almost dry in winter. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 21°C in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to stem and root rots if overwatered

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