Ferocactus chrysacanthus cv. Orange spines Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
Origin and Habitat: This is a selected form kown in cultivation only.
Synonyms:
See all synonyms of Ferocactus chrysacanthus
Description: Solitary barrel cactus.
Spines: This beautiful and rare form has rich orange spines instead of golden yellow.
The spines are twisted and more or less hooked anfd oten longer than in the standard form. It is (presumably) an horticultural variety selected for its spine colours.
The plant is very densely spined (one of the spiniest of the Ferocacti) and because of that, will tolerate full sun.
Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Ferocactus chrysacanthus group
Ferocactus chrysacanthus cv. Orange spines Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Ferocactus chrysacanthus cv. Orange spines Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Cultivation and Propagation: They are summer-growing and pretty easy plants thought slow to start. They are suited for any rich, well drained soil such us clay, pumice, lava grit, and only a little peat or leaf-mould. If potted, repot them preferably in the spring, if their roots become cramped. Generally, they should be repotted every other year in order to provide fresh soil. However, this doesn't necessarily mean they'll need larger containers. Fill about a quarter of the pot with broken crocks, gravel, etc. to promote good drainage. After repotting, do not water for a week or more. Water regularly during the aestival growth cycle (this plant need plenty of water, but do not overwater and let their soil dry out between waterings), and also needs to be avoided wetting the body of this plant while it is in sunlight. A wet cactus in the sun light can cause sun burning which can lead to scars or even fungal infections and death, keep rather dry in winter. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots. Feed with a high potassium fertilizer in summer.
Exposure: Outside they need a bright exposure, full sun or half shade in summer if the location is exceedingly hot or bright, inside needs bright light, and some direct sun. It can tolerate moderate shade, and a plant that has been growing in shade should be slowly hardened off before placing it in full sun as the plant will be severely scorched if moved too suddenly from shade into sun.
Frost Tolerance: Light frost protection required for safe cultivation, but can tolerate sporadic light frost. This plants need a period of cool rest in winter to produce flowers abundantly.
Diseases and pests: Watch for infestations of mealybug, scale insects and spider mite.
Plant in good conditions will start to bloom when reach the diameter of only 12-18 cm.
Propagation: Seeds are the only way of reproducing, but young seedlings are often grafted on Eriocereus jusbertiiSN|8197]]SN|8197]] or Pereschiops to speed the growth rate. However plant can grow on their own roots for ages if watered carefully.