Ferocactus Horridus
Family
Cactaceae
Native
Brazil
Description
The ferocactus is a cactacea characterized by the presence of very strong, very hard and pungent spines, usually in number of 4-8 for each areola, located on the ribs of the plant. F. horridus has yellowish, shorter thorns in the brevispinus variety. The shape is classically roundish and the growth is rather slow (up to 1 cm in diameter per year).Ferrocactus horridus brevispinus is a solitary fast growing little barrel cactus with quite short and stocky cental spine one
Environment
It prefers the sun in the seasons of passage (spring and autumn), while in the summer it likes the partial shade,
It is suited for any rich, well drained soil such us clay, pumice, lava grit, and only a little peat or leaf-mould. If potted, repot preferably in the spring, if their roots become cramped. Generally, they should be repotted every other year in order to provide fresh soil. However, this doesn't necessarily mean they'll need larger containers. Fill about a quarter of the pot with broken crocks, gravel, etc. to promote good drainage.
Feed every 4 weeks with a Nitrogen-poor and Potassium & Phosphorus-rich fertilizer during summer.
Once a month it is recommended to clean it with a painter's brush, to remove the dust that creeps under the big thorns.
Landscape Uses
It is an excellent plant for garden rockery settings, desert type landscapes, patios and botanical gardens
