Care of the cactus Ferocactus viridescens or Coast barrel cactus |
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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 viridescens, Ferocactus x californicus, Ferocactus hamatacanthus, Ferocactus emoryi, Ferocactus wislizenii, Ferocactus stainesii, Ferocactus schwarzii, Ferocactus robustus, Ferocactus peninsulae, Ferocactus latispinus, Ferocactus histrix, Ferocactus glaucescens, Ferocactus flavovirens, Ferocactus cylindraceus, Ferocactus alamosanus, Ferocactus gracilis. Common names: Coast barrel cactus, San Diego barrel cactus, Green-stemmed Viznaga, Keg Cactus, Costal Barrel Cactus. This species is distributed throughout northern Baja California (Mexico) and southern California (USA). Ferocactus viridescens is a solitary, dark green cactus with a spherical or cylindrical body that grows to 30 cm tall. It has 13-34 ribs and woolly areoles with 8-25 yellowish or reddish radial spines and 4-9 reddish central spines. The attractive, yellowish-green flowers, 6 cm in diameter, appear at the apex of the plant. The fruits are 3.5 cm long and yellow when ripe. Coast barrel cactus is used in rockeries, in cactus and succulent gardens, and in pots for patios and terraces. Ferocactus viridescens prefers semi-shaded exposure, avoiding direct sun during the hottest hours of the day. It is resistant to light, occasional frosts. San Diego barrel cactus prefers rich, well-drained soil, for which you can use a commercial cactus substrate with a little organic matter and plenty of coarse sand. Repot every 2 years to renew the substrate. Water moderately, waiting until the substrate has dried. In spring, water every 2 weeks and in summer, water once a week. Reduce watering in autumn and do not water at all in winter. Fertilize once in early spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti. San Diego barrel cactus does not need pruning. Although Coast barrel cactus is quite resistant to common pests and diseases, it can be attacked by mealybugs and red spider mites indoors if ventilation is not adequate. Ferocactus viridescens is propagated from seeds sown in a sandy seedbed in spring. |
Images of the cactus Ferocactus viridescens or Coast barrel cactus |
 Ferocactus viridescens  Ferocactus viridescens |