€15,90

🌵 Morphology: 

A solitary-growing form of Ferocactus peninsulae, with a globose stem that becomes ovoid and then cylindrical. The species can reach up to 2.5 m in height and 40 cm in diameter, although it usually remains much smaller. It has deep and prominent ribs. The areoles develop short radial spines and several central spines, but in the brevispinus form, the reduction of the latter is particularly notable: the lower central spine is short, thick, flattened, and strongly hooked, greyish-brown in color, and tends to acquire darker tones with age. 

🌍 Habitat and geographical distribution:

Ferocactus peninsulae is native to the Baja California peninsula, Mexico, mainly Baja California Sur, where it grows from virtually sea level up to about 450 m in altitude. It lives on sandy and rocky slopes, rocky terrain, and xerophilous scrub. The f. brevispinus form is considered a horticultural selection, so it should not be attributed its own natural distribution. It belongs to the Cactaceae family.

❄️ USDA Zone and minimum cultivation temperatures: It can be approximately placed in USDA 9a–11. Cultivation references indicate that F. peninsulae can withstand light frosts when the substrate is completely dry, and some cultivation sources place its occasional resistance around −5 °C. In Madrid, it is advisable to keep it completely dry during winter and especially avoid the roots remaining wet when frosts occur. The actual tolerance will depend on the duration of the cold spell, the hydration status, and the acclimatization of the specimen.

☀️ PAR Illumination:

It needs very high illumination during active growth. An approximate target of 20–30 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ of DLI PAR is recommended to maintain compact growth and good spine formation. It tolerates full sun once acclimatized.

💧 Growth cycle and watering:

It mainly exhibits summer growth and winter dormancy. In its habitat, it can receive a significant amount of concentrated water during a relatively short period. 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. This cycle can be maintained during spring and summer if the substrate drains quickly. From late summer, water should be progressively reduced, and it should be kept practically dry during autumn and completely dry during winter.

🌸 Flowering:

The flowers are funnel-shaped, relatively large, about 5–6 cm long, and have a coloration that can range from red to yellow, with a characteristic orange or red central vein. Flowering occurs in September. 

🌿 Nutrition:

During the active growth period, Desert CHOICE® Cactaceae is recommended, with NPK (Ca-Mg) 4-4-7 (4-4) formulation plus micronutrients. The supply of assimilable calcium, equal to nitrogen, favors the maintenance of turgor, while magnesium contributes to good physiological functioning. It is recommended to apply by watering once a month from April to September, suspending fertilization during winter dormancy.

This is an inimitable xerophytic cultivated in Madrid in a technological square pot and with the specific Desert SOIL substrate.

📏Xerophytic in a blue pot of 9 x 9 x 9.5cm. Size S. Approximate plant height 8cm. Size S

* 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 of Desert CITY's plants has unique characteristics.

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