Ferocactus macrodiscus | Barrel cactus
€26,50
🌵 Morphology:
Solitary cactus with a discoidal or very depressed globose body, with a sunken apex and a strong taproot. It can reach approximately 10 cm in height and 30–40 cm in diameter, although some specimens can grow to about 60 cm in diameter. The stem has a bluish-green or yellowish-green color and between 13 and 35 ribs with sharp edges, usually tuberculate. The areoles are quite separated and have between 1 and 4 central spines, one of which is usually longer and directed downwards, in addition to 6–8 radial spines. The spines can be yellow, reddish, or brown. Its flattened appearance and ability to remain partially sunken in the ground are very distinctive characteristics.
🌍 Habitat and geographical distribution:
It is endemic to Mexico and its distribution area extends from Tamaulipas to Oaxaca, including San Luis Potosí, Querétaro, Guanajuato, Puebla, and Oaxaca. It grows in dry environments, within xerophilous scrublands, grasslands, and open Quercus and Pinus forests, generally on rocky terrain or very dry soils. It is found approximately between 1,900 and 2,600 m of altitude, depending on the population. It belongs to the Cactaceae family and is listed as Vulnerable (VU) by the IUCN.
❄️ USDA Zone and minimum cultivation temperatures:
It can be approximately placed in USDA 9a–11. It comes from relatively high-altitude populations, so it tolerates low temperatures when kept completely dry. The recommended minimum temperature is -4°C. In cultivation, it is advisable to keep it dry throughout the winter and especially avoid low temperatures combined with humidity in the substrate.
☀️ PAR illumination:
It needs very high illumination to maintain its compact growth and promote good spination and abundant flowering. An approximate target of 20–30 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ of DLI PAR is recommended during the active growth period.
💧 Growth cycle and watering:
It presents a winter dormancy, although its behavior is highly conditioned by the rainfall in its habitat. During dry periods, it can retract and remain partially sunken in the soil; with the arrival of rains, it regains turgidity and begins growth and flowering. In Madrid, it is advisable to start watering in spring, when night temperatures are sufficiently mild, performing abundant watering and allowing the substrate to dry completely before watering again. During spring and summer, this cycle can be maintained as long as the substrate dries quickly. From late summer, water should be progressively reduced until it is kept completely dry during winter.
🌸 Flowering:
It produces relatively large flowers for the size of the plant, about 3–4 cm in diameter, although they can reach approximately 5 cm. They are pink, magenta, or purple, with the outer perianth segments paler and generally with a white margin. Flowering is highly related to the arrival of rains. In Madrid, it can be expected mainly during spring, although the exact timing will depend on temperatures and the onset of growth for each specimen.
🌿 Nutrition: During the active growth period, Desert CHOICE® Cactáceas is recommended, with an NPK (Ca-Mg) 4-4-7 (4-4) formulation, plus micronutrients. The supply of assimilable calcium, equal to nitrogen, favors the maintenance of turgidity, while magnesium contributes to the proper physiological functioning of the plant. It is recommended to apply by watering once a month from April to September, suspending fertilization during winter dormancy.
This is an inimitable xerophyte cultivated in Madrid in a technological square pot and with the specific Desert SOIL substrate.
📏 The sizes of our basic collection xerophytes are as follows:
M-> 14cm x 14 cm
L->16cm x 16 cm
* As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the specimen sent may vary slightly from the product image. The photo description specifies the plant's measurements, but this may also vary slightly because it is a living being! Each Desert CITY plant has unique characteristics.
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