Introducing...
Ferocactus
Common name: Barrel cactus
Easy to grow, barrel cactus conjure up arid desert scenes from western North America where they originate. Keep them as long-lived houseplants or in a frost-free greenhouse. Young specimens are rounded but become more column-shaped as they age. The related Echinocactus are also referred to as barrel cacti.
Looks
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.
Likes
Keep ferocactus happy by grow them in a cactus compost with some extra sharp sand or grit. Provide bright light with good ventilation. Can stand them outside in a sheltered sunny patio in summer.
Dislikes
They dislike overly wet compost and a humid atmosphere, especially when resting in winter.
Did you know?
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.
Growing guide
How to grow Ferocactus
All the information you need to grow Ferocactus can be found in the RHS growing guide for cacti and succulent houseplants
Ferocactus we recommend
Ferocactus viridescens
coast barrel cactus
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Ferocactus glaucescens
glaucous barrel cactus
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Ferocactus wislizenii
fishhook cactus
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Ferocactus viridescens
coast barrel cactus
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Ferocactus glaucescens
glaucous barrel cactus
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Ferocactus wislizenii
fishhook cactus
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Useful advice
Greenhouses: choosing
Greenhouses: heating efficiently
Warm conservatory and greenhouse plants
Get involved
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