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Cactus Succulent

Ferocactus emoryi

Emory's barrel cactus

A bluish-green barrel cactus, globular at first, becoming cylindrical, and capable of reaching 2m after many years. Young plants have a regular arrangement of conical tubercles tipped with 6 to 10 long, curved, red or light brown spines. Older plants develop 15 to 30 deep ribs. Red, yellow or pale orange, funnel-shaped flowers up to 7.5cm across appear in summer, followed by yellow, egg-shaped fruit

Other common names
Coville's barrel cactus
traveler's friend
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Red Yellow Orange Yellow
Autumn Green Yellow
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Cactaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Ferocactus are spherical to columnar cacti with prominent ribs bearing spiny areoles, the spines sometimes hooked, and funnel-shaped flowers in summer

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added grit. Water moderately when in growth, not at all when dormant. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser two or three times in the growing season. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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