Ferocactus Latispinus
What an amazing Cactus Species, FEROCACTUS LATISPINUS, also commonly called The Devil's Tongue Cactus. This is my favorite for sure, being that it has some of the best features in my opinion. Let's Discuss what makes this Beautiful Dry Desert Flora Gorgeous and we'll bring up some useful Care Tips, as well as Relative Geographical Origins.
The Spines, oh my Goodness have you seen the Devil's Tongue? They even become more Red when it rains, or mist with a spray bottle to bring out the Vibrant Colors. The Flat, Tongue-like Central Spine is curved downwards like a Tongue coming to a sharp tip, absolutely Vicious! There are also a Dozen Radial Spines that surround the Central Spine. These can be a mix of White and Red and some may have a curve to them. The Dry Air Climate of Northern Mexico and Southern US, where these Beauties call home, sandy, rocky ground is a very Harsh Environment. The Re-Curved Spines can help hold Moisture closer to the Cactus for better chances of Survival. The Cactus Spines also provide a little shade and shadows that change over the entire Cactus with the passing Sun Rays. This Strong, Amazing Ferocactus will keep you gazing and you too will fall in love with this Species! Don't forget your Spray Bottle when giving these guys water, you'll want to spray the whole Cactus Plant and have your Camera ready!
Growing Ferocactus Latispinus is fairly easy and I would recommend this Species to a Beginner Cactus Grower. Just let it completely dry in between watering and when you water, Soak it a bit. This Cactus can go long periods of time between watering so a good Rule of Thumb is just to make sure the soil is super dry before giving more water. In the Winter Barely Water at all. Too much sun can Burn the skin of this Cactus although you can gradually introduce it to full sun and it will adapt. On really Hot Summer Days I would give it some Filtered Sun or keep it under a light Shade. They are very Cold Hardy down to a low of 25°F, although this is a Cactus worth bringing indoors if you can when Temps drop below freezing. This is a small Species of Ferocactus reaching heights of 1 - 2ft and 2-3ft wide, so it can be managed in a pot and taken indoors during the Winter.
The Flowers are Huge and Vibrant shades of Deep Purples. The Large Blooms come out in late Fall when the Temperatures start to drop. The Crown of flowers generally appear towards the top and stay around for about a week. I was super impressed the first time seeing these flowers and the Colors are almost indescribable. The Spines and Flowers, Compact Size and Contrast of Colors, make this truly one of my Favorite Cacti. Come stop by and see some of our Collection and leave with your own Ferocactus Latispinus.
Moon Star Gardens, Trinidad Colorado Nursery