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glaucous barrel cactus (Ferocactus glaucescens)

Ferocactus glaucescens is an evergreen perennial barrel-shaped succulent cactus that is usually solitary but may produce basal offsets and form clumps when mature; its stem develops from globular to short-cylindrical.

LightIt takes full sun to bright light, while greenhouse guidance also recommends bright filtered light.
WaterDuring active growth, allow the growing medium to drain thoroughly and dry after watering, avoiding prolonged wetness; keep it nearly dry in winter.
HumidityIt is reported to prefer low humidity.
TemperatureSources differ on the reported hardiness zone. Few sources indicate a minimum of around 10 °C. It is reported to tolerate brief light frost. It rests cool and dry in winter.
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Overview

Ferocactus glaucescens is an evergreen perennial barrel-shaped succulent cactus that is usually solitary but may produce basal offsets and form clumps when mature; its stem develops from globular to short-cylindrical.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ on its native range, describing it from central to eastern Mexico, with records from Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Querétaro, and San Luis Potosí, while major sources regard it as endemic to Mexico. It occurs in dry deciduous forest and dry scrub, commonly on limestone hills and well-drained rocky or gravelly terrain. Its natural environment is predominantly dry and strongly sunlit, including desert, dry scrub, and dry forest conditions.

Characteristics

Sources differ, placing mature height at about 40–60 cm and mature spread at about 20–60 cm. Growth is slow, especially in the early stages. The flowers are yellow and bell-shaped to funnel-shaped, with sources differing on flowering from late spring through summer. Sources differ in their descriptions of the fleshy fruit; it is generally described as globose, white to yellowish white and sometimes flushed red, with some fruit bearing yellow-brown to yellow ciliate scales.

Light

It takes full sun to bright light, while greenhouse guidance also recommends bright filtered light.

Watering

During active growth, allow the growing medium to drain thoroughly and dry after watering, avoiding prolonged wetness; keep it nearly dry in winter.

Humidity and airflow

It is reported to prefer low humidity.

Temperature and dormancy

Sources differ on the reported hardiness zone. Few sources indicate a minimum of around 10 °C. It is reported to tolerate brief light frost. It rests cool and dry in winter.

Growing medium and mounting

Use a well-drained cactus or succulent medium; sandy, loamy, or porous media are suitable, excessive humus should be avoided, and commercial growing guidance recommends a high proportion of mineral particles. It needs a fast-draining mix.

Feeding

Feed during the growing period; RHS recommends a balanced liquid fertilizer at regular intervals.

Propagation

It can be propagated from seed, with RHS recommending sowing in early spring. Cuttings are also a propagation method.

Common problems

Mealybugs are reported as a possible pest. Disease is generally uncommon, but wetting the plant while it is in sunlight may cause scorching and can be followed by fungal infection. Waterlogged growing medium or excessive watering can cause rot. It does not tolerate severe frost; in temperate regions, protected greenhouse or indoor cultivation is suitable.

Identification

Sources differ in their descriptions, but distinguishing features include a globular to short-cylindrical stem with a conspicuous waxy blue-green to gray-green appearance, a slightly depressed apex, prominent sharp-edged ribs, and yellow spines; mature plants may produce basal offsets.

Photos

Ferocactus glaucescens
📷 小石川人晃 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Ferocactus glaucescens
📷 Amante Darmanin, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY · source

Sources