Echinocactus horizonthalonius aka Eagle Claw Cactus

Taxonomy

Echinocactus horizonthalonius, commonly known as Devilshead, Turk's head cactus, Blue barrel cactus, Eagle's claw, Horse Maimer, Horse Crippler, and Visnaga meloncillo, is a species of cactus native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This cactus can reach a maximum size of about 45 centimeters tall by 20 wide, and is gray-green to blue-gray in color, with curving sections that twist around the body in a helical fashion. These sections have up to 10 spines each, which may be pink, gray, or brown and can be over 4 centimeters long. As a rare houseplant, Eagle Claw needs very little water and should be no more than a foot from a window for optimal growth. The soil should be extremely well-draining to help it thrive.

Common names

Eagle Claw Cactus, Melon Cactus, Devil Head Cactus

How to care for Eagle Claw Cactus

Difficulty

Eagle Claw Cactus presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Eagle Claw Cactus does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To ensure the health of your Eagle Claw Cactus, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

Eagle Claw Cactus thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Devil Head Cactus.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Eagle Claw Cactus to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Growth-pattern

Eagle Claw Cactus grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.


More info:
Wikipedia