Ferocactus glaucescens (glaucous barrel cactus)

Japanese name: 王冠竜
Scientific name: Ferocactus glaucescens

[Overview]
A single-stemmed cactus that grows on limestone in hills in its native range, reaching about 30–50 cm in both height and diameter.
It rarely forms clumps.
The plant body is spherical or short cylindrical, celadon green as if dusted with white powder.
It has 11–15 high ribs with acute angles.
Areoles line the ribs, almost touching one another, and bear thick, sharp, awl-shaped spines.
The spines are pale yellow and about 2.5–4 cm long; there are 6–7 radial spines and usually 1 central spine.
The bases of the spines are sometimes tinged with red.
In young plants the ribs are wart-like.
The flowers are borne at the top and are 3–4 cm across, with silky, glossy yellow tepals.
The fruit is white, with the withered flower remaining at the tip.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by cuttings (offsets).
It prefers a sunny, well-ventilated place and should be planted in well-drained, airy soil.
From spring to early summer, excluding midsummer, water when the soil has dried until water runs out of the bottom of the pot.
In midsummer keep it somewhat dry, and if watering, do so in the morning or evening so that it does not become stuffy from steam.
From autumn to winter, watering once every 2 weeks to 1 month is sufficient.
Care is needed not to overwater or overfertilize.
Pests include scale insects and spider mites.

View this page in Japanese (日本語)