Ferocactus robustus | Pineapple cactus
€106,00
🌵 Morphology:
A very branched cactus that forms large, compact clusters or clumps, which in adult specimens can reach several meters in diameter. Each stem is globose or slightly cylindrical, about 8–16 cm in diameter, with 8–9 prominent and clearly tuberculate ribs. The areoles are quite separated from each other. It has between 4 and 6 robust central spines, brown, reddish or horny in color, and about 10–14 finer, grayish radial spines. The lower spine can reach about 6 cm in length. Its ability to produce numerous basal stems is one of its most striking characteristics.
🌍 Habitat and geographical distribution:
It is endemic to Mexico, with known distribution mainly in Puebla and Oaxaca, within the semi-arid region of the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán valley. It grows in dry scrubland on stony and calcareous soils, with good drainage and relatively low rainfall. It belongs to the Cactaceae family.
❄️ USDA Zone and minimum growing temperatures:
It can be approximated to USDA 9b–11. Cultivation references indicate that it can withstand drops close to −4 °C if kept completely dry, although it is not considered an especially frost-hardy species for prolonged periods.
☀️ PAR Illumination:
It needs very high illumination to maintain compact growth and promote good spination. An approximate target of 20–30 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ of DLI PAR is recommended during the active period. This interval is a horticultural estimate, as there is no specific DLI value published for the species. It tolerates full sun once acclimated, although it does not necessarily need direct sun all day.
💧 5. Growth cycle and watering: It has a winter dormancy period, although its behavior in habitat can be more flexible and flowering can extend during different times of the year. In Madrid, it is advisable to start watering in spring, when temperatures are mild enough, performing abundant watering and letting the substrate dry completely before watering again. During the summer, this cycle can be maintained as long as the substrate dries quickly. From autumn, the water supply should be progressively reduced until it is kept completely dry during winter. Fast drainage is especially important for this species.
🌸 Flowering:
The flowers are funnel-shaped, approximately 3–4 cm in diameter, yellow, with a characteristic reddish hue on the outer part of some segments of the perianth. The stigma has reddish lobes. In cultivation in Spain, especially in Madrid, it can be expected mainly from late spring to summer, depending on the temperature and the maturity of the plant.
🌿 Nutrition:
During the active growth period, Desert CHOICE® Cactaceae, with NPK (Ca-Mg) 4-4-7 (4-4) formulation plus micronutrients, is recommended. The supply of assimilable calcium, equal to nitrogen, promotes the maintenance of turgor, while magnesium contributes to the proper physiological functioning of the plant. It is recommended to apply by irrigation once a month from April to September, suspending fertilization during winter dormancy.
This is an inimitable xerophytic plant cultivated in Madrid in a technological square pot and with the specific Desert SOIL substrate.
14x14 cm pots
16x16 cm pots
Xerophytic plant in a tray.
* As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the specimen sent may vary slightly from the product image. The plant's measurements are specified in the photo description, but these may also vary slightly, because it is a living being! Each of Desert CITY's plants has unique characteristics.
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