Ferocactus hamatacanthus aka Texas Barrel Cactus

Taxonomy ID: 1146

Common names

Texas Barrel Cactus, Turk's Head, Biznaga De Limilla

More information about Texas Barrel Cactus

How difficult is it to take care of Texas Barrel Cactus

Caring for Texas Barrel Cactus is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

What is the region of origin of Texas Barrel Cactus

Texas Barrel Cactus’s native range is Southwestern United States and Mexico.

What are the water needs for Texas Barrel Cactus

Texas Barrel Cactus does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

What is the right soil for Texas Barrel Cactus

When growing the Texas Barrel Cactus, it's important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and does not retain excessive moisture. An optimal soil mix should contain a high proportion of perlite or vermiculite for good drainage and some organic matter for nourishment. Simply add a few scoops of perlite to regular cactus soil to achieve this.

What is the sunlight requirement for Texas Barrel Cactus

Texas Barrel Cactus requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Turk's Head is always in the right place to thrive.

What's the right humidity for Texas Barrel Cactus

Texas Barrel Cactus plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.

How to fertilize Texas Barrel Cactus

The Texas Barrel Cactus grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Is Texas Barrel Cactus toxic to humans/pets?

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

What's the dormancy for Texas Barrel Cactus

During the cold period, it is common for Texas Barrel Cactus to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

What is the growth pattern of Texas Barrel Cactus

New growth will sprout from the top of the Texas Barrel Cactus as it grows vertically.

More info:
Wikipedia