While most barrel cacti quell relatively thickset , the Ferocactus peninsulae is an exception that really stands out from the crowd . Unlike its forgetful cousins , this noteworthy Mexican species can accomplish tremendous altitude up to 8 foot marvellous when mature .
As you place your eye on the Ferocactus peninsulae , its striking perpendicular height and classifiable ribbed cylinder shape like a shot require your attention . But the surprises do n’t stop there – this unique desert plant also features middle - catching spines , vivacious blush , and a beautiful bluish - green colour . If you ’re a cactus enthusiast , the Peninsula cask cactus deserves a spot in your collection .
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About Ferocactus peninsulae
Native to the desiccated region of Mexico ’s Baja California peninsula , Ferocactus peninsulae is a lonely , unbranched barrel cactus . While it starts life as a spherical seedling , its fore elongates over time into a tall , cylindrical conformation that tapers slightly toward the apex of the sun’s way .
Mature works can reach up to 8 metrical unit ( 2.5 m ) in pinnacle , though more typical heights are around 2 - 3 feet ( 0.6 - 0.9 m ) . The ribbed , gamey - green stem is adorned with 12 - 20 prominent ridges line with areoles bearing rigid spines . Each areole produces 4 thick , reddish , aquiline fundamental spine along with 6 - 13 slender stellate spine .
From previous spring through former summer , the Peninsula barrel cactus bears broadly funnel - shaped flower up to 6 inches ( 15 cm ) across . The showy flush range from red to yellow with affect orangish - reddened midstripe detail .
While Ferocactus peninsulae share some similarities in spine and flower form with its close relation the Fishhook barrel cactus ( F. wislizeni ) , its ability to achieve such awful height at maturity really sets this species aside as an eye - catching specimen .
relate Post:44 Types of Ferocactus Cacti [ With Pictures ]
How to Care For Ferocactus peninsulae
Light
Ferocactus peninsulae absolutelyloves lustrous sunlightand requires a luck of it to develop its distinctive spination and food coloring . Provide at least 6 hours of lineal sun exposure each day , ideally situating the plant outdoors in full , unobstructed sunlight .
If growing indoors , add on with ahigh - intensity grow lightpositioned very close to the cactus on a timekeeper to mimic rude sunlight hour . Too petty light will have the plant to etiolate and potentially rot . However , avoid moving it dead from shade to vivid sun as this can char the works . bit by bit acclimatise it to increased calorie-free horizontal surface .
Water
Ferocactus peninsulae has modest wateringneedsduring its spring - fall growing menses . Only water when the soil is completely teetotal down to the root geographical zone . Then soak the soil soundly and allow for it to run out completely . In winter , water supply minimally every 6 - 8 weeks to keep the plant from shriveling .
Soil
A spirited , well - draining cactus / succulent soil mix is ideal . Make your ownby fuse 1 part regular potting mix with 1 part common guts or perlite . The soil should feel dense and grainy , not light and fluffy .
Fertilizer
A balancedfertilizer(10 - 10 - 10 or 13 - 13 - 13 ) can be applied once in spring at 1/4 military strength . Too much plant food raise lush , unstable ontogenesis .
Temperature and Humidity
As a native of the Mexican desert , Ferocactus peninsulae thrives in very live and ironical circumstance . It requires warm to scorching temperatures , ideally between 70 - 95 ° F ( 21 - 35 ° snow ) during the Clarence Day . low-down humidity below 40 % and excellent airflow are also authoritative .
This cactus can not put up lengthened exposure to insensate temperature below 50 ° F ( 10 ° C ) or frost . Protect it fromcool conditions during winterby furnish warmth of at least 60 ° F ( 15 ° C ) . Replicating its rude desert environment as closely as potential is central to hold back this cactus happy and healthy .
Pests and Problems
Watch for common houseplant pest like mealybugs , scale , and spider mites . putrefaction and fungous issues can arise from overwatering or poor grease drainage .
Pruning
These solitary cactus do n’t demand pruning beyond carefully absent dead , damage , or unsightly growth with sterilized shear .
Potting and Repotting
F. peninsulae has a slow growth pace and infrequent need for repotting – point to repot every 2 - 3 age in late spring . Use a container with drain hole and enough astuteness to accommodate the tap root .
How to Propagate Ferocactus peninsulae
The only way to propagate more Ferocactus peninsulae is from seed , as this coinage does not pronto propagate from cuttings . When propagating from seed :
Seedlings need frequent repotting into more or less larger container as they dislike dry conditions and acute spark when young . plow them carefully , as they are very finespun initially .
