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Most barrel cacti are of the genus Ferocactus. Ferocactus,
meaning "fierce or wild cactus". They are
always cylindrical or barrel shaped and are usually among
the largest cacti of the North American deserts. There
about 35 species of Ferocactus. These are slow-growing
plants, reaching ages of 100 years or more. They grow to
at least 30 cm tall at maturity, but usually reach a
height of 1 metre or even 3 metres. They are excellent
for growing in containers on patios and in greenhouses or
as landscape plants.
They are grown for their brightly coloured, often hooked,
and somewhat dramatic spines. In some species, one or
more central spines are curved like a fishhook,
accounting for the common name Fishhook Barrel Cactus.
When young, they are usually globular shaped, though they
eventually become columnar with age.
Barrel Cactus flowers always grow at the top of the plant.
They bear no spines and only a few scales. The majority
of Ferocactus species flower in summer and are pollinated
by bees.
Fruits become fleshy and often juicy when mature, but are
not usually considered edible.
Hardiness zone 10-11, (1°C/35°F, 4°C/40°F). They
require a minimum temperature of 40º F. Many of these
plants can survive hot sun and frost. Most species grow
best in a fairly roomy, well-drained container filled
with a porous compost that doesn't contain too much humus.
Place them in a spot where they'll receive sun and do not
water until the soil becomes fairly dry. After a while
the soil can be moistened regularly but never kept
constantly saturated.
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