Care of the cactus Ferocactus alamosanus or Echinocactus alamosanus |
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The genus Ferocactus, family Cactaceae, comprises 30 species of large cacti native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. Some species are: Ferocactus alamosanus, Ferocactus histrix, Ferocactus latispinus, Ferocactus schwarzii, Ferocactus hamatacanthus, Ferocactus emoryi, Ferocactus gracilis, Ferocactus glaucescens, Ferocactus stainesii, Ferocactus peninsulae, Ferocactus cylindraceus, Ferocactus robustus, Ferocactus flavovirens, Ferocactus wislizenii. Scientific synonyms: Echinocactus alamosanus, Parrycactus alamosanus. This species is native to Chihuahua, Sinaloa and Sonora, Mexico. They are globose and solitary cacti that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height and 40 cm (1.31 feet) in diameter. They have 12-20 narrow ribs with hairy oval areolas 2.5 cm (0.98") apart. They have a long, flattened central spine 6 cm long and 8 smaller radial spines (4 cm/1.57"). The flowers are deep yellow, funnel-shaped, and 3.5 cm (1.37") in diameter. They bloom in summer. They produce yellow, egg-shaped fruits. They are used in rockery, on sandy slopes, in cactus gardens and succulent plants and in pots for patios, terraces and greenhouses. The Ferocactus alamosanus needs direct sun exposure and a warm climate. In winter the temperature should not be less than 6 ºC (42.8 ºF). They can grow in any type of well-drained soil: stony, poor, or sandy. They are very resistant to drought plants; water moderately waiting for the substrate to dry completely. In winter do not water. They do not need pruning or fertilizers. They are sensitive plants to excess humidity. They propagate by seeds sown in spring; they rarely produce suckers. |
Images of the cactus Ferocactus alamosanus or Echinocactus alamosanus |
 Ferocactus alamosanus  Ferocactus alamosanus |