Ferocactus

Ferocactus cylindraceus

California Barrel Cactus

Ferocactus cylindraceus is a barrel-forming succulent cactus that stores water in its ribbed body and rots quickly if kept wet. Give it the brightest, sunniest spot you can and a gritty, fast-draining mineral mix. Water deeply only once the soil has dried out completely, when the mix is dry well below the surface; let it run drier in cooler months.

Ferocactus latispinus

Devil's-tongue Cactus

A barrel cactus from arid central and northern Mexico, this succulent stores water in its ribbed body and wants bright, direct sun with sharp, gritty drainage. Water deeply only once the soil has gone completely dry through the pot, then let it dry out fully again before the next watering. Sitting in damp or poorly drained mix will cause it to rot, so err toward keeping it dry, and water far less in winter.

Ferocactus pilosus

Mexican Lime Cactus

Ferocactus pilosus is a barrel-forming succulent shrub from the arid highlands of northeastern and southwestern Mexico, built to store water and withstand strong sun. Give it the brightest direct light you can offer and a gritty, fast-draining mineral mix. Water deeply only when the soil has gone completely dry to the bottom of the pot, and water much less in the cool, low-light months — sitting wet will rot it.

Ferocactus emoryi

Emory's Barrel Cactus

A barrel cactus native to the arid deserts of Arizona and northern Mexico, this succulent stores water in its ribbed body and needs gritty, fast-draining mineral soil. Give it the brightest, most direct light you can and water deeply only when the soil has been bone dry for some days — wait until the top several inches are fully dry, then water thoroughly. In cooler months it wants even less; standing moisture and dense potting mix will rot the roots.

Ferocactus herrerae

Twisted Barrel Cactus

Ferocactus herrerae is a barrel-forming succulent cactus from arid northern Mexico, built to store water in its ribbed body and endure long dry spells. Give it the brightest spot you have, ideally several hours of direct sun, and a gritty, fast-draining mineral mix. Water deeply only once the soil has gone completely dry to the bottom of the pot, then let it dry out fully again; when in doubt, wait longer.

Ferocactus wislizeni

Candy Barrel Cactus

Ferocactus wislizeni is a barrel cactus native to the arid deserts and dry grasslands of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, so it stores water in its thick stem and rots if kept wet. Give it the brightest, sunniest spot you have and a gritty, fast-draining mineral mix. Water deeply only after the soil has been completely dry for a stretch — wait until the mix is bone dry several inches down, then water and let it dry out fully again.