Ferocactus

They usually grow as a single specimen but sometimes form clumps. Their sides are deeply ribbed with prominent, often curving, buff, red, orange or brown spines. Rounded, red, yellow, red or orange flowers appear near the top of the cactus in summer.

Keep ferocactus happy by growing them in peat-free cactus compost with some extra sharp sand or grit. Provide bright light with good ventilation. They can be moved outside to a sheltered sunny patio in summer.

They dislike overly wet compost and a humid atmosphere, especially when resting in winter.

Ferocactus produce nectar at the base of their spines that attracts ants in the wild, which in turn help to protect the ferocactus from insect attack.