Ferocactus, the easiest succulents to care for

The Ferocactus are one of the cacti that we can most easily find in nurseries. They are very easy to care for and to get, to the point that if we sow ten seeds, it is most likely that we will obtain a percentage of more than 70% germination.

They are often called biznagas, and they are plants that do not take up much space, which means that it is possible to have several specimens in the patio or garden 🙂.

Characteristics of the Ferocactus

Native to the deserts of California, Baja California, Arizona, southern Nevada, and Mexico, these cacti have a body that undergoes a noticeable change as it develops: when they are young, they are globular, but when they grow there are some species that become columnar, measuring up to 2 meters. Its ribs are longitudinal, and the spines are usually long and curved, of colors that vary depending on the type: yellow, red, brown.

The flowers are very pretty. They appear during the summer and can be yellow, orange, reddish or purple. Once they are pollinated, the fruit begins to ripen, which measures about 2-3cm in length and inside which the seeds will be found.

What care do you need?

If you would like to have a specimen in your yard or garden, follow our advice:

• Location: full sun.
• Irrigation: every 3-4 days in summer, and every 7-10 days the rest of the year. In winter water once a month.
• Soil or substrate: it is not very demanding, but it grows better in those that have good drainage (you will find more information on this topic here).
• Transplant / Planting time: whether you want to change the pot or move it to the garden, the best time to do is in spring.
• Subscriber: during spring and summer it must be paid with mineral fertilizers. You can add a small spoonful of Nitrofoska every 15 days, or compost for cactus in liquid form following the instructions specified on the package.
• Multiplication: by seeds in summer. Direct sowing in a seedbed with vermiculite.
• Rusticity: withstands cold and mild frosts down to -3ºC, but it is important to protect it from hail.

What did you think of this cactus?