Ferocactus latispinus aka Devil's Tongue Cactus

Taxonomy

Ferocactus latispinus, also known as Cactus latispinus, is a species of barrel cactus native to Mexico. Originally described by English naturalist Adrian Hardy Haworth in 1824, it was later renamed in 1922 by American botanists Britton and Rose. The species name is derived from the Latin words "latus" meaning "broad" and "spinus" meaning "spine". It was formerly known as Ferocactus recurvus. This cactus has a globular shape, reaching up to 25cm in diameter, with 21 distinct ribs. It features fine white radial spines and thick, red or brown flattened central spines. During winter, it produces pink, funnel-shaped flowers. Ferocactus latispinus is typically a solitary plant and does not produce offsets or divide. It starts off slow-growing but thrives under cultivation. With an extensive distribution in central and southern Mexico, this species can be found at elevations ranging from 600 to 2,600 meters above sea level. It is considered one of the most well-known barrel cacti and is often chosen as the preferred species within the Ferocactus group.

Common names

Devil's Tongue Cactus

How to care for Devil's Tongue Cactus

Difficulty

Devil's Tongue Cactus is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Devil's Tongue Cactus does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

When it comes to the Devil's Tongue Cactus, a potting soil that is too moist can cause problems. For this reason, it's important to use a soil mix that is well-draining and does not retain too much moisture. A soil that includes perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can achieve this by simply adding a few scoops of perlite to your store-bought cactus soil.

Lighting

Devil's Tongue Cactus requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Devil's Tongue Cactus will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Devil's Tongue Cactus to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Humidity

Devil's Tongue Cactus enjoys dry environments, but misting the plant or providing extra humidity can create an environment for harmful fungi to thrive on the leaves.

Fertilizer

The growth of Devil's Tongue Cactus is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Devil's Tongue Cactus’s native range is Southwestern United States and Mexico.


More info:
Wikipedia