Happy Urban Dirt

For the cactus fans today we would like to present Ferocactus latispinusDo you know it? It is a plant native to Mexico, but can be found all over the world.

If it is unknown to you and you would like to discover it, we have prepared a file where you can find out what its characteristics are, as well as what care it will require. Shall we start?

What does Ferocactus latispinus look like?

Ferocactus latispinus is also known as the devil’s tongue. (or devil’s tongue). It is a cactus with a rounded shape (they are called spherical), but is flat on top. Its size is medium, reaching 40 centimeters in height (and also width) at maturity.

In its natural habitat, it occurs in parched or grassy areas, as well as in thickets and even in forests, on rocky slopes, in coastal areas and even on the edges of roads.

The dominant color of this cactus is gray-green, but depending on the airy it can be a more intense green or gray.Its body is divided into ribs that have woolly sheaths.

As for the thorns, it has four main, central ones, which are distinguished from the others by the red color they take. However, they are not the only ones, because it has other radial ones, which are smaller. Despite this, It is one of the cacti that has the most thorns, so you have to be very careful.

Ferocactus latispinus is not a infrequent plant, quite the opposite. It is very uncomplicated to find. Although this does not mean that cactus lovers do not want to have it in their collections.

If you are lucky and always in the months of October-December, it will bloom. These flowers can be white, red, blue and even purple. They will be about 3.5 centimeters statuesque. And the best part is, you don’t have to wait until the specimen is an adult to see its flowers. (unlike other cacti). When it reaches about 15 centimeters in diameter, you can expect it to flower. They usually have a little scent, which is quite pleasant.

And then comes the fruit, which is usually elongated and rounded. It can measure from 2.5 to 8 centimeters. Inside you will find seeds, which are petite and obscure brown (almost black).

Ferocactus latispinus care

After learning a bit more about Ferocactus latispinus, Would you like to have such a device and take good care of it? Well, here we leave you with the most vital care treatments that you should monitor so that they serve you for many years (and grow until you are adults). We have already warned you that it is very uncomplicated to have them.

location and temperature

Ferocactus latispinus is a cactus. It is clear to us. And as such, it needs sunlight. So the best location for it is outdoors, specifically in full sun. It is necessary that it is exposed to a gigantic amount of daylight (minimum 6-8 hours, if more, it is better).

When it comes to temperature, Ferocactus latispinus has no problems with the heat (and high temperatures). But not so very low. In fact, when the cactus is newborn, it is more fragile, and when it drops below 7-8ºC, it usually does not resist if you do not protect it. In the case of adults, they can already withstand -5ºC.

It is also vital to note that this cactus hibernates. To do this, a drop in temperature and an escalate in humidity combine to give it a red or orange hue, but also to weaken it in the face of inclement weather.

Subsoil

The best substrate for Ferocactus latispinus is one affluent in nutrients and providing good drainage. For example, many experts recommend silica sand and leaf mulch. Another option is cactus soil with perlite or orchid soil.

Irrigation

In the months from spring to October Ferocactus latispinus needs water. Not the rest of the year. For this reason, irrigation must be concentrated in these months, but not excessive. First, make sure the soil is completely parched before you start watering. If so, you can add water, but never soaking the cactus, less if it is in full sun. It is better to water around it so that the roots are not overwhelmed by water.

Subscriber

As for fertilizer, extra nutrients in spring and summer will support it grow faster. So try adding one that is low in nitrogen.

Now this is not required. If the plant has good soil and you changed it in the same year, then It is best not to give him fertilizer because it can over-saturated him and make him ailing..

pruning

Pruning? In the case of a cactus? It is not about pruning, because there is really nothing to prune. However, many people have doubts about whether cactus thorns can be pruned. Their function is to protect the body so that if they were not there, animals, insects, etc. could damage its structure.

If that’s not a problem where you have it, and you don’t like the thorns too much (especially if they’re very long), yes, they can be trimmed. Although it wouldn’t be as much of a cactus.

Plagues and diseases

Ferocactus latispinus is a plant that is highly resistant to pests, especially if you follow all the above tips. This means that if it is attacked, it will defend itself, and you will barely notice the effects. Now, who are your enemies? Specifically: the spider mite, the mealybug, and the aphid. These three are the ones to watch out for, because although they can attack it, and the plant defends itself, it is worth helping it.

When it comes to diseases, the most solemn is rot.

Multiplication

When it comes to propagating Ferocactus latispinus, the best method (and the most effective) is propagation by seeds. They are collected in autumn or winter and can be planted in spring, when temperatures are already warmer and there are no frosts. They need to be placed in seedling beds and then planted in pots. (only if the seedlings already have good roots).

As you can see, Ferocactus latispinus can be a good addition to your cactus collection. Would you cheer yourself up with one of these?