Mexican Fire Barrel Cactus

Mexican Fire Barrel Cactus Care

Ferrocactus Pilosus

What is the plant

Ferocactus pilosus is a striking barrel cactus with thick red spines. Initially globe-shaped, plants eventually grow tall. Endemic to Mexico, it’s best grown in temperate climates as a houseplant, where it makes an interesting feature in the conservatory or windowsill. Flowers are yellow or red but rarely appear on cultivated plants.

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Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

min 10°C

Hardiness zone

9b - 11b

Difficulty

Easy

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water sparingly and allow the compost to dry out completely in winter.
Sunlight
Choose a planting location that receives direct sun during all or most of the day. Because barrel cactus eventually leans into the sun instead of growing precisely upright and because it has extremely sharp thorns, place it where people will not brush into it accidentally.
Soil
A good soil mixture includes 10 percent native soil, 45 percent washed sand or pumice and 45 percent compost. Barrel cactus thrives in poor and arid soil.

Disease diagnosis

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Temperature
Drape barrel cactus with burlap or other fabric if a heavy frost is predicted in your area, as it is sensitive and could be damaged by cold temperatures.
Container
Pick containers with drainage holes and use well-draining cactus and succulent soil with 70% to 80% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite.
Popularity
248 people already have this plant 37 people have added this plant to their wishlists