Ferocactus latispinus

El Ferocactus latispinus It is one of the most common cactus species in collections, as well as of course in succulent gardens. Reasons are not lacking: it resists drought well, and although something great can be done, being able to see its flowers live and direct is a magnificent experience.

On the other hand, its cultivation is simpler than that of other cacti, being able to live without difficulty in places where winter temperatures drop below zero degrees.

Origin and characteristics of Ferocactus latispinus

The devil's tongue, as it is popularly known, is a cactus native to Mexico that it is characterized by having a balloon-shaped body up to 1 meter high by about 40-50 centimeters in diameter, and with between 8 and 14 ribs. Each of these has several areoles, from which arise between 6 and 12 radial spines of white or reddish color with a length of 2-2,5 centimeters, and another 4 central ones that are longer, and of a more intense color. Of the latter, there is one, the lower one, which is more robust and somewhat longer than all the others.

It produces flowers on the top, and they are white or pinkish / reddish.. If they are fertilized, the fruit will begin to mature adopting an oblong shape, and inside which we will find numerous very small black seeds.

What are the care that must be provided?

El Ferocactus latispinus It is a plant that, as we said, does not require special care. You can have it in the garden or in a pot, and providing it with basic and very simple care, you will see how well it grows:

Location

Where do you put it? Always on the outside. Indoor cacti etiolate, that is, they lengthen and as they do so their stems narrow, weakening. But beware: not just any site will do. You have to find a good one.

That will be one in which the sun shines directly, or at least one in which there is no -or very little- shade. If you have bought it recently, or if you have never put it in full sun, get used to it little by little to avoid burning.

Earth

• Garden: the garden soil must be porous and have a fast drainage. If not, the most advisable thing is to first make a planting hole of about 50 x 50 centimeters, and fill it with pumice for example, or with a mixture of peat and perlite in equal parts.
• Flower pot: the container where it is going to be planted must be filled with pumice or other substrates with similar characteristics; that is, it must be sandy (it is important that the grain is 1 to 3 millimeters thick) and, also, it must drain the water quickly.
  Also, the pot must have holes in its base, as this reduces the risk of the roots rotting.

Irrigation

The frequency of watering your Ferocactus latispinus it will be determined by factors such as weather or location. As usual, it is advisable to water when the substrate or soil is completely dry. In winter, if there is frost or it rains regularly, you will hardly need water.

If you have it in a pot, do not put a plate under it. The water left in it will come into contact with the roots, and if that contact is maintained too long, it could rot the cactus.

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Both in spring and summer the Ferocactus is growing, so it is advisable to fertilize it to get it to have a good development. For this purpose, you can use a liquid cactus fertilizer, but follow the instructions for use because otherwise there could be a risk of overdose.

Planting or transplanting time

Being a relatively large globular cactus with strong spines, Ideally, plant it in the garden as soon as it is large enough to be highly visible.

For example, if you have a specimen of about 20 centimeters in diameter, I would personally tell you to plant it as soon as possible in the ground, or in a large construction planter. Waiting longer could be dangerous for your hands.

In case it is still very young, then you should change it pot every two years or so, as soon as you see that his body has already occupied the entire pot.

But when do you have to transplant it? Spring is a good time, although it can also be done in summer if you are careful not to manipulate the roots.

Plagues and diseases

You may have the following: Red spider, cottony mealybug, aphids, as well as fungi that rot it. Pests are removed with diluted soap and water, or even diatomaceous earth, but fungi must be treated with fungicides and suspend irrigation until the soil has completely dried.

Devil's Tongue Multiplication

It multiplies by seeds in spring or summer.

Rusticity

El Ferocactus latispinus withstands cold and weak frosts, down to -2ºC.

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