Ferocactus WISLIZENI

Ferocactus WISLIZENI - Fishhook Barrel Cactus, Arizona Barrel Cactus, Ferocactus wislizeni, Echinocactus.

Ferocactus is a genus of cacti in the cactus family (Cactaceae), comprising about 30 species native to arid regions of North and Central America.

The genus is represented by large globose and barrel-shaped cacti with prominent ribs and large areoles. The main distinguishing feature is heavy spines, often colored red, yellow, or white. Spines are rigid, straight or hooked. Many species show a tendency to increase in height with age, transitioning into a columnar form.

Flowering occurs in summer. Flowers are large, usually reddish, yellow, or pink, formed at the apex of the plant. Fruits are oblong, fleshy, becoming dry upon maturity. Seeds are small, black or brown, rounded in shape with a glossy surface.

Fishhook barrel cactus has a stem ranging from globose to cylindrical, without lateral shoots. In height, the stem reaches up to two meters (6.6 ft). Ribs are strong and tall, twenty-five in number. Areoles are widely spaced, brown. Radial spines are slender, needle-like, light-colored. In length, spines are three to five centimeters (1.2-2 in). Central spines are more rigid, one of them twisted in the form of a hook. Coloration is white and red. In length, they are seven to fifteen centimeters (2.8-6 in). Flowers range from yellow to reddish, up to six centimeters (2.4 in) long and about five centimeters (2 in) in diameter. Fruits are yellow, five centimeters (2 in) long. Seeds are matte, black.

Seeds are sown on the surface of a moistened mineral substrate with the addition of fine sand. Sowings are covered with a transparent dome. Daily ventilation and maintaining a temperature in the range of 22-26 °C (72-79 °F) are required.

Seedlings emerge in 7-20 days. In rare cases, germination is delayed up to 30-40 days. Prick-potting is carried out after the appearance of the first spines, with seedlings being carefully transplanted into individual containers and maintained under diffused lighting.

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Ferocactus is successfully cultivated in home conditions. It is placed in a bright sunny spot, preferably a south window or greenhouse. When grown in an apartment, maximum illumination and regular ventilation are provided.

In summer, the temperature is maintained at 22-30 °C (72-86 °F); in winter, maintenance at 8-12 °C (46-54 °F) under conditions of complete dormancy is preferred. Watering is carried out after the soil has completely dried, using soft water. During the cold period, watering is suspended to avoid rot.

A coarse-grained mineral substrate with the addition of sand, brick grit, and perlite is used. Preference is given to deep pots with mandatory drainage. Repotting is carried out in spring as needed. During the growing season, mineral fertilizers for cacti are applied once every 3-4 weeks. From mid-autumn, feedings are suspended. Nitrogenous fertilizers are not used.

Shaping and pruning are not performed. Propagation is carried out predominantly by seeds, as the plant grows slowly and rarely produces offsets. The culture is recommended for experienced and beginning cactus enthusiasts.