Ferocactus Macrodiscus

Family

Cactaceae

Native

Brazil

Description

The ferocactus is a cactacea characterized by the presence of very strong, very hard and pungent spines, usually in number of 4-8 for each areola, located on the ribs of the plant.

Ferocactus macrodiscus is a barrel cactus that forms a solitary, blue-green stem with up to 35 pronounced vertical ribs. Spines are yellow or red, curved, and up to 3.5 cm long. It has 6 to 8 radial and 1 to 4 (one longer) central spines per areole. Flowers are white with pinkish-purple striped petals and are up to 5 cm long, up to 4 cm in diameter.

Environment

It prefers the sun in the seasons of passage (spring and autumn), while in the summer it likes the partial shade,

It is suited for any rich, well drained soil such us clay, pumice, lava grit, and only a little peat or leaf-mould. If potted, repot preferably in the spring, if their roots become cramped. Generally, they should be repotted every other year in order to provide fresh soil. However, this doesn't necessarily mean they'll need larger containers. Fill about a quarter of the pot with broken crocks, gravel, etc. to promote good drainage.

Feed every 4 weeks with a Nitrogen-poor and Potassium & Phosphorus-rich fertilizer during summer.

Once a month it is recommended to clean it with a painter's brush, to remove the dust that creeps under the big thorns.

Landscape Uses

It is an excellent plant for garden rockery settings, desert type landscapes, patios and botanical gardens