Welcome to the fascinating world of cacti! If you're looking for a striking and unique addition to your plant collection, look no further than the Ferocactus histrix, a vibrant member of the genus Ferocactus. Native to Mexico, it is known by several common names Biznaga barril de acitron, candy barrel cactus, candy cactus, electrode cactus, and Mexican barrel cactus.
This Mexican cactus belongs to the family Cactaceae and is characterized by its barrel-shaped bluish-green stem covered in spines. This Ferocactus cactus can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with ribs that are lined with sharp, yellowish-red spines.
Ferocactus histrix is known for its ability to adapt to arid desert environments. It has a deep root system that allows it to absorb water from deep within the soil. This cactus also has a thick, waxy outer layer that helps to prevent water loss through evaporation. This slow-growing cactus initially grows as a globular and then columnar cactus.
In the wild, Ferocactus histrix blooms with vibrant yellow or orange funnel-shaped flowers that emerge from the top of this Ferocactus cactus. These barrel cacti flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After flowering, the Mexican cactus produces small, edible fruits that are often enjoyed by birds and other desert animals.
As a popular ornamental cactus, Ferocactus histrix is often cultivated in gardens and landscapes. It requires well-drained, specialized cactus potting soil and plenty of full sunlight to partial shade to thrive. It can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 9-11. However, it is important to handle this cactus with care due to its sharp spines. This Mexican cactus can be easily propagated by seeds in the spring growing season.
Overall, Ferocactus histrix is a fascinating and resilient globular cactus species that adds a touch of beauty to arid landscapes while adapting to harsh desert conditions.
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Resistance
Sun Exposure
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Ferocactus histrix |
| Common Name | Biznaga barril de acitron, candy barrel cactus, candy cactus, electrode cactus, Mexican barrel cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Yellow, orange |
| Genus | Ferocactus |
| Growth Habit | Solitary, Globular |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 3 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide |
| Native Area | Mexico |
| Plant Type | Perennial cactus |
| Propagation | By seeds |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, heat resistant, pest resistant, deer resistant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | specialized cactus potting soil |
| Special Features | Showy flowers |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun (6+ hrs.), Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun) |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, safe for pets |
| Watering Needs | Low |
Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features
| Bloom Season | Summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Ferocactus histrix |
| Common Name | Biznaga barril de acitron, candy barrel cactus, candy cactus, electrode cactus, Mexican barrel cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Yellow, orange |
| Genus | Ferocactus |
| Growth Habit | Solitary, Globular |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 3 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide |
| Native Area | Mexico |
| Plant Type | Perennial cactus |
| Propagation | By seeds |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, heat resistant, pest resistant, deer resistant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | specialized cactus potting soil |
| Special Features | Showy flowers |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun (6+ hrs.), Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun) |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, safe for pets |
| Watering Needs | Low |
- Description
- Key Plant Features
Welcome to the fascinating world of cacti! If you're looking for a striking and unique addition to your plant collection, look no further than the Ferocactus histrix, a vibrant member of the genus Ferocactus. Native to Mexico, it is known by several common names Biznaga barril de acitron, candy barrel cactus, candy cactus, electrode cactus, and Mexican barrel cactus.
This Mexican cactus belongs to the family Cactaceae and is characterized by its barrel-shaped bluish-green stem covered in spines. This Ferocactus cactus can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with ribs that are lined with sharp, yellowish-red spines.
Ferocactus histrix is known for its ability to adapt to arid desert environments. It has a deep root system that allows it to absorb water from deep within the soil. This cactus also has a thick, waxy outer layer that helps to prevent water loss through evaporation. This slow-growing cactus initially grows as a globular and then columnar cactus.
In the wild, Ferocactus histrix blooms with vibrant yellow or orange funnel-shaped flowers that emerge from the top of this Ferocactus cactus. These barrel cacti flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After flowering, the Mexican cactus produces small, edible fruits that are often enjoyed by birds and other desert animals.
As a popular ornamental cactus, Ferocactus histrix is often cultivated in gardens and landscapes. It requires well-drained, specialized cactus potting soil and plenty of full sunlight to partial shade to thrive. It can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 9-11. However, it is important to handle this cactus with care due to its sharp spines. This Mexican cactus can be easily propagated by seeds in the spring growing season.
Overall, Ferocactus histrix is a fascinating and resilient globular cactus species that adds a touch of beauty to arid landscapes while adapting to harsh desert conditions.
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Resistance
Sun Exposure
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Ferocactus histrix |
| Common Name | Biznaga barril de acitron, candy barrel cactus, candy cactus, electrode cactus, Mexican barrel cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Yellow, orange |
| Genus | Ferocactus |
| Growth Habit | Solitary, Globular |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 3 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide |
| Native Area | Mexico |
| Plant Type | Perennial cactus |
| Propagation | By seeds |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, heat resistant, pest resistant, deer resistant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | specialized cactus potting soil |
| Special Features | Showy flowers |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun (6+ hrs.), Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun) |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, safe for pets |
| Watering Needs | Low |
Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features
| Bloom Season | Summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Ferocactus histrix |
| Common Name | Biznaga barril de acitron, candy barrel cactus, candy cactus, electrode cactus, Mexican barrel cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Yellow, orange |
| Genus | Ferocactus |
| Growth Habit | Solitary, Globular |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 3 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide |
| Native Area | Mexico |
| Plant Type | Perennial cactus |
| Propagation | By seeds |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, heat resistant, pest resistant, deer resistant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | specialized cactus potting soil |
| Special Features | Showy flowers |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun (6+ hrs.), Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun) |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, safe for pets |
| Watering Needs | Low |
