Introducing the Ferocactus gracilis coloratus, known as fire barrel cactus, which is a popular barrel cactus that belongs to the Ferocactus genus. The name "fire barrel" is derived from its fiery red or orange spines, which add to its visual appeal.
Native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, it is well-adapted to survive in harsh desert environments and is known for its ability to withstand extreme temperatures and prolonged periods of drought.
The Ferocactus gracilis coloratus is an unbranched, deep green, erect plant up to 10 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with prominent ribs and long central spines that can grow up to 1 foot long.
It was initially globular like most barrel cactus but later became cylindrical.
The central spines are often straight, but they have yellow tips and a hooked end.
The Ferocactus gracilis var. coloratus is a beautiful cactus with unique spines and seeds.
Its lower spines are similar to those of the Ferocactus gracilis species but less broad and have less red pigment, while its seeds are more angular and irregular. The var. coloratus spines have shorter upper and lower central spines than the Ferocactus gracilis.
When it comes to flowers, the fire barrel cactus produces beautiful blooms in shades of red with darker red midveins. These flowers typically appear in late spring to early summer and attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the cactus develops small, fleshy fruits that contain seeds.
When it comes to care, the fire barrel cactus thrives in well-draining soil and requires full sun exposure to ensure optimal growth. It is highly drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering, especially during the summer months. It's important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Ferocactus gracilis coloratus thrives indoors in temperatures between 50-80°F and prefers to be placed outdoors in USDA zones 9-11 for optimal growth. Additionally, providing protection from frost during the winter months is crucial.
In terms of propagation, the fire barrel cactus can be propagated through seeds or by carefully removing and replanting its offsets, also known as pups. It's important to handle the cactus with care, as its spines can be sharp and prickly.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to add something truly exceptional to your garden. Order your very own fire barrel cactus for sale today!
Additionally, if you want to learn more about other popular barrel cacti, click here to read about the Barrel cactus varieties.
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Resistance
Sun Exposure
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Late spring, early summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Ferocactus gracilis |
| Common Name | Fire barel cactus, Mexican fruit cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Red |
| Genus | Ferocactus |
| Growth Habit | Globose |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | Up to 10 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide |
| Native Area | Mexico |
| Plant Type | Cactus |
| Propagation | By seeds |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, heat tolerant, deer resistant, pest resistant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Cactus potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Easy to maintain |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Mild Toxic for humans, mild toxic for pets (Keep away from children) |
| Watering Needs | Low |
Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features
| Bloom Season | Late spring, early summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Ferocactus gracilis |
| Common Name | Fire barel cactus, Mexican fruit cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Red |
| Genus | Ferocactus |
| Growth Habit | Globose |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | Up to 10 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide |
| Native Area | Mexico |
| Plant Type | Cactus |
| Propagation | By seeds |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, heat tolerant, deer resistant, pest resistant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Cactus potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Easy to maintain |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Mild Toxic for humans, mild toxic for pets (Keep away from children) |
| Watering Needs | Low |
- Description
- Key Plant Features
Introducing the Ferocactus gracilis coloratus, known as fire barrel cactus, which is a popular barrel cactus that belongs to the Ferocactus genus. The name "fire barrel" is derived from its fiery red or orange spines, which add to its visual appeal.
Native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, it is well-adapted to survive in harsh desert environments and is known for its ability to withstand extreme temperatures and prolonged periods of drought.
The Ferocactus gracilis coloratus is an unbranched, deep green, erect plant up to 10 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with prominent ribs and long central spines that can grow up to 1 foot long.
It was initially globular like most barrel cactus but later became cylindrical.
The central spines are often straight, but they have yellow tips and a hooked end.
The Ferocactus gracilis var. coloratus is a beautiful cactus with unique spines and seeds.
Its lower spines are similar to those of the Ferocactus gracilis species but less broad and have less red pigment, while its seeds are more angular and irregular. The var. coloratus spines have shorter upper and lower central spines than the Ferocactus gracilis.
When it comes to flowers, the fire barrel cactus produces beautiful blooms in shades of red with darker red midveins. These flowers typically appear in late spring to early summer and attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the cactus develops small, fleshy fruits that contain seeds.
When it comes to care, the fire barrel cactus thrives in well-draining soil and requires full sun exposure to ensure optimal growth. It is highly drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering, especially during the summer months. It's important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Ferocactus gracilis coloratus thrives indoors in temperatures between 50-80°F and prefers to be placed outdoors in USDA zones 9-11 for optimal growth. Additionally, providing protection from frost during the winter months is crucial.
In terms of propagation, the fire barrel cactus can be propagated through seeds or by carefully removing and replanting its offsets, also known as pups. It's important to handle the cactus with care, as its spines can be sharp and prickly.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to add something truly exceptional to your garden. Order your very own fire barrel cactus for sale today!
Additionally, if you want to learn more about other popular barrel cacti, click here to read about the Barrel cactus varieties.
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Resistance
Sun Exposure
Watering Needs
Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features
| Bloom Season | Late spring, early summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Ferocactus gracilis |
| Common Name | Fire barel cactus, Mexican fruit cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Red |
| Genus | Ferocactus |
| Growth Habit | Globose |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | Up to 10 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide |
| Native Area | Mexico |
| Plant Type | Cactus |
| Propagation | By seeds |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, heat tolerant, deer resistant, pest resistant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Cactus potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Easy to maintain |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Mild Toxic for humans, mild toxic for pets (Keep away from children) |
| Watering Needs | Low |
