Ferocactus pilosus
Mexican fire barrel cactus
A slow-growing cactus, with wild specimens reaching up to 3m at maturity, though plants in cultivation are usually much smaller. This cactus is globe-shaped when young and becomes barrel-shaped with age. The stem is dark green and ribbed, with areoles bearing coarse red spines and fine, threadlike, white bristles. In early summer it produces funnel-shaped red or yellow flowers, in a ring around the top of the stem
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Red Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical 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
- 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 rpuning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free, but may be susceptible to stem and root rots if overwatered
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