Ferocactus latispinus
| Light | Bright light to full sun; a few hours of direct sun daily |
|---|---|
| Water | Moderately in warm growth; keep dry and cool in winter |
| Soil | Gritty, fast-draining mineral mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Keep above freezing; USDA zones 9b–11 |
| Propagation | Seed |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to cats and dogs |
Ferocactus latispinus is a compact, solitary barrel cactus from central and southern Mexico, best known for the broad, flattened, downward-hooked central spine that gives it the common names devil's tongue barrel and crow's claw cactus. Unlike most of its large-growing relatives in the genus Ferocactus, it stays small enough to flower and finish its life in a pot, and it is prized for its bold spination and its purple-pink flowers borne in the cooler months.
Description
Ferocactus latispinus forms a squat, ribbed globe that typically reaches around 15–40 cm across, usually staying solitary rather than clustering. The body is deep green and divided into numerous prominent ribs lined with closely spaced areoles.
The spination is the plant's signature feature. Each areole bears a spray of slender, radiating outer spines and a cluster of stout central spines, one of which is much broader than the rest — flattened, ribbon-like and strongly hooked at the tip, often flushed red, pink or amber. This wide, curved central spine is what earns the plant its "devil's tongue" and "crow's claw" names.
Flowers appear from the woolly crown, most often in autumn and winter, which is unusual among cacti. They are funnel-shaped and range from purple and rose-pink to occasionally yellowish, opening around the top of the plant.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to Mexico, where it is widespread across the central and southern highlands. It grows on rocky slopes, in open scrub and among grasses on well-drained mineral soils, in a climate of warm growing seasons and cool, drier winters. This wild rhythm of a warm wet season followed by a cool dry rest is worth keeping in mind when growing the plant.
Like the whole cactus family, Ferocactus latispinus is listed under CITES Appendix II, which regulates international trade. Nursery-propagated plants are widely available and entirely legal to own and trade; wild collection is not.
Cultivation
Ferocactus latispinus is one of the more manageable barrel cacti for a collection, staying compact and flowering at a modest size. Grow it in a gritty, mostly mineral mix with excellent drainage, in the brightest position you can offer — strong light brings out the fullest, most colourful spines, while too little light produces weak growth and dull spination.
Water moderately through the warm growing season, letting the mix dry out between waterings, then keep the plant dry and cool over winter. A proper cool, dry rest not only prevents rot but also encourages the autumn-to-winter flowering the species is known for. As with all barrel cacti, overwatering — especially in cold conditions — is the main cause of loss. See Watering and Repotting for general technique; the hooked spines make repotting easier if you wrap the body in a folded strip of paper or cloth to handle it.
Propagation
Seed is the standard and reliable method. Sow onto a warm, mineral surface kept humid until germination, then grow the seedlings on with care, as young plants are slower and more sensitive to overwatering than adults. Because the species is naturally solitary and seldom offsets, vegetative propagation is uncommon. See Propagation — seed for a full walkthrough.
Common problems
- Rot — usually from overwatering or a slow-draining mix, especially over a cold winter; the plant softens and discolours from the base.
- Weak spination and etiolation — insufficient light gives pale, elongated growth and thin, poorly coloured spines instead of the characteristic broad hooked central spine.
- Pests — mealybugs (white fluff among the areoles, and root mealybugs below soil) and red spider mites are the usual culprits. See Pests and diseases.
See also
- Ferocactus — the genus overview
- Soil and potting mix · Watering · Repotting · Propagation — seed · Pests and diseases