This genus of slow growing cactus are spherical when young becoming columnar with age and have large ribs with long spines. The yellow or red to brown bell-shaped flowers appear around the crown of the plant during summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Ferocactus species are naturally found from southern and south-west North America growing in Mexico and extending to Guatemala.

They prefer a very well drained, poor to fertile sandy-gravely soil and are pH adaptable. They grow in a sunny to semi shaded open position and are drought tolerant but frost tender and dislike wet conditions.

This genus of Barrel Cactus is grown for their columnar habit and colourful spines and flowers. They are planted in arid gardens or rockeries as a specimen or used as a potted plant in a cactus collection. They are suitable for mountainous or coastal regions establishing in 3-5 years and are long lived. They are commonly used as a house plant but are sensitive to excessive moisture and inadequate light levels. If temperatures fall below 16ş C place the plant in a glasshouse or protected area and reduce watering during winter. ID 659

Note:
These plants normally grow solitary but some species may form a clump.

Ferocactus(fe-rô-KĂK-tus) species

Cactaceae(kak-TAY-see-ee)