Barrel Biznaga (Ferocactus stainesii)

El Ferocactus stainesii It could well be the plant that many people think of when they hear the word 'cactus' said. It is not very big, but its stem is covered by very sharp and long thorns, which can do a lot of damage if you get lost. In fact, you have to be careful with it even as a child, therefore it is recommended to plant it as soon as possible in the garden.

But it must also be said that they are precisely its thorns and the shape it takes are the characteristics that give it that beauty that more than one wants to be able to contemplate every day. This is almost certainly why it is one of the most frequently kept cacti in collections.

Origin and characteristics of Ferocactus stainesii

It is a kind of globular cactus (although over time it becomes somewhat columnar) native to Mexico, specifically it is found at an altitude of around 1000 and 2400 meters above sea level, on slopes and plains. It is popularly known as barrel biznaga, and can reach a height of 3 meters, with a thickness of about 40-60 centimeters. Its body, that is, its stem, is made up of between 13 and 20 ribs. It has long spines, up to 4 centimeters, of an intense red color.

The flowers are also about 4 centimeters, although they do not usually open completely since the thorns prevent it. These are yellow or red. The fruit is ovoid, yellow and inside there are numerous small, black or light brown seeds.

El Ferocactus stainesii it is a species vulnerable to extinctionTherefore, it is included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora or CITES (Appendix II), and in the red list of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).

What are the care that must be given?

Regardless, this is a fairly commercialized cactus. And it grows fast, but it also multiplies well by seed. In addition, it does not require special care. However, to keep it in good condition it is important to take into account its basic needs:

Climate

The barrel biznaga is a succulent that lives in the semi-arid regions of Mexico, where temperatures can rise to 40 degrees Celsius and where sporadic weak frosts occur. It also grows in sunny areas.

Location

When you get your copy, you need to take a good look at where it was in the nursery: if it was in full sun, you can put it in a sunny place as soon as you go to your garden or patio; otherwise, the ideal would be to have it in a bright but protected area from the star king.

In the latter case, in addition, you will have to accustom it very little by little and gradually to direct sunlight.

Soil or substrate

• Flower pot- Generally a good standard mix is ​​as follows: 50% black peat + 50% perlite. But if the humidity in your area is very high, I recommend having it in the cheek, since this reduces the risk of its roots rotting.
• Garden: the soil must be light, porous, limestone and must have good drainage.

Irrigation

It is a plant that resists drought, but up to a point. If it is a young specimen and it is in a pot, it will have to be watered about 2 times a week during the months of heat and low rainfall. Conversely, an adult and acclimatized specimen that is in the garden will only require occasional watering throughout the year.

Anyway, every time you water it, you have to wet the soil, not the plant. If it is in a pot, it must have holes in its base so that the water can escape.

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From early spring to late summer you can pay your Ferocactus stainesii with a cactus fertilizer. But follow the indications that you will find on the product's packaging, since otherwise you could add more of the appropriate product. If this happened, the roots would be damaged, and with them, the plant would begin to look bad.

Multiplication

It multiplies by seeds in spring-summer. It is best to sow them as soon as they are ready (mid / late summer) as this is when the probability of germination is highest.

To sow them, you have to fill a tray with some small holes in the base with universal substrate mixed with perlite in equal parts, or vermiculite. Place the seeds on the surface, and spread a very thin layer of substrate on top.

Then, you have to place a plate under the tray, and fill it with water so that the earth is moistened. Do it again every time you see that it is dry.

Finally, place the tray outside, in a sunny area. In this way, they will germinate in about 15 days.

Transplant

It is a cactus that, if we take into account its characteristics, must be planted in the ground as soon as possible. While it is a small 'ball' of up to 20 centimeters, it can be kept in a pot, but then the transplant begins to be dangerous.

The best time to plant it in the ground is spring, when the risk of frost has been left behind.

Rusticity

El Ferocactus stainesii resist up to -3ºC.

Do you have any in the collection?