Ferocactus pilosus - Mexican lime cactus

The Ferocactus Pilosus is a beautiful and robust cactus species with a spherical shape that grows into an impressive columnar shape over the years. This cactus originally comes from the dry plains and hilly areas of Mexico. With its deep green color and red spines, surrounded by white hairs, the Ferocactus Pilosus is a striking appearance. This cactus grows slowly but can eventually reach a height of 4 meters. Although it is not easy to get this cactus to bloom, it rewards those who take good care of it with beautiful orange-red flowers in the summer. With its easy care and unique appearance, the Ferocactus Pilosus is a real asset to any cactus lover.

The Ferocactus pilosus - Mexican lime cactus likes a sip of water

The Ferocactus Pilosus is a drought tolerant plant that does not require frequent watering. Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, and allow the water to drain well to prevent waterlogging. In spring, summer and fall, water once or twice a week to keep the soil slightly moist. In winter, less water is needed, but make sure the soil does not dry out, usually once a week. Preferably use rainwater or distilled water instead of tap water to prevent mineral salt buildup. Take care when watering to prevent water from remaining on the stem and causing rot. With the right watering, the Ferocactus Pilosus will thrive healthily and happily.

Summer

During the summer it is very important that this plant, when it is outside, is kept well moist. Especially during the warm days it should be watered every day, so that the root ball is well moist. On the less warm days this can sometimes be skipped for a few days. This is so important because otherwise the plant 'drinks' moisture from its leaves, causing it to become dry and eventually die. This should of course be prevented.

Winter

When winter is upon us, the rules are reversed! If the Ferocactus pilosus - Mexican lime cactus is outside, it must remain dry so that the moisture does not freeze and damage the plant. The Ferocactus pilosus - Mexican lime cactus does not suffer from a dry root ball during this period, it is in a kind of hibernation!
When the plant is kept indoors during the winter it should be kept slightly moist, so not soaking wet (as in summer), but just so that the root ball feels slightly damp.

General rules

In addition to the above guidelines, it is best to follow these rules:

First, give the plant a little water. If the soil is dry within 2 days, it means it needs a little more water. Adjust the amount of water until it still feels slightly moist between 2 and 5 days after watering, and almost dry after 5 days. If it feels very wet after 5 days, wait until it is almost dry and water again, but reduce the amount.

Spraying

We recommend that you spray the Ferocactus pilosus - Mexican lime cactus with water weekly. However, we do not recommend this during hot summer days, so that you do it either in the evening after sunset, or on days when the sun shines little, because the water droplets bundle the incoming sunlight into small points that become very hot. These cause the leaves to dry out, or even burn through.
Aside from the detrimental effect of bright sunlight on wet leaves, misting has beneficial effects for your Ferocactus pilosus - Mexican lime cactus. Namely, it removes dust from the leaves, allowing them to better absorb sunlight and appear more beautiful, and it prevents certain types of pests.

Where is the best place to place the Ferocactus pilosus - Mexican lime cactus?

The Ferocactus Pilosus thrives best in a sunny spot with plenty of direct light. This plant is a heliophile and needs plenty of sunlight to grow and flower. However, in the hot summer months it is important to avoid excessive exposure to bright sunlight and to protect the plant from excessively high temperatures if necessary. The optimum growing temperature is between 20 and 35 ℃, with a minimum of 10 ℃ and a maximum of 35 ℃. Humidity should not be too high and it is important to have good ventilation to prevent excessive humidity and water retention. The Ferocactus Pilosus feels most comfortable in an environment that is tropical, subtropical or semi-desert in nature, with scarce rainfall and intense sunshine. It is advisable to place the plant in fertile, gravelly and well-drained soil, with a pH between 6 and 7, to optimize the growth and well-being of the Ferocactus Pilosus.

Light

The Ferocactus pilosus - Mexican lime cactus is a plant that likes a fair amount of sunlight. It likes to be in full sun or half shade, taking in all the light. Is it indoors? Then it wants a spot near a window or where light comes in. The Ferocactus pilosus - Mexican lime cactus requires at least 1 to 3 hours of direct sunlight per day

Wind

Make sure that the Ferocactus pilosus - Mexican lime cactus experiences as little wind as possible. Wind can damage the leaves, causing them to die off more quickly. A little wind is no problem.

Temperature requirements

During the day minimum -1 ℃
At night minimum -1 ℃

Repotting, why and when?

The Ferocactus Pilosus should be repotted when the plant is well rooted in the pot or when the cactus becomes too big for its current pot. This can be determined by checking whether the roots touch the edge of the pot and by paying attention to the growth of the cactus.

When repotting, it is important to choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current pot, so that the cactus has enough room to grow. Make sure that the new pot has sufficient drainage holes and use a well-draining cactus soil to prevent root rot. Repotting is best done in the spring, when the plant is actively growing.

By repotting regularly and choosing the right pot size and soil, the Ferocactus Pilosus can thrive and continue to grow.

General rules

When the Ferocactus pilosus - Mexican lime cactus has rooted (often every 2-3 years) we recommend repotting it in the spring. If it is always indoors, it does not matter. If it is outdoors, it is not a problem to repot it in the summer, but we advise against it in the autumn and winter, because it will not grow and root optimally then. This can make it somewhat weak, and possibly suffer damage from frost.

When you choose to repot your Ferocactus pilosus - Mexican lime cactus, choose a nice pot that is twice the size of the root ball. Place a layer of hydro grains at the bottom of the new pot for better moisture control. It will thank you for that. Fill this layer with some Mediterranean potting soil. This type of soil ensures that the Ferocactus pilosus - Mexican lime cactus roots optimally and is fed. Then you can place the root ball on the ground. Make sure that the top of the root ball is slightly below the edge of the pot. Aim for a difference of 2 to 6 cm. This difference ensures that the water does not run off the root ball when you water it.
Every year you should replace the top layer of soil, because it hardens and 'wears out' in nutrients, due to regular watering and because of the sunlight on the upper edge of the root ball.

Provide the Ferocactus pilosus - Mexican lime cactus with good nutrition

The Ferocactus Pilosus needs regular nutrition to stay healthy and grow well. It is recommended to give this plant cactus food monthly from May to August. It is important to choose a special food for cacti to ensure that the Ferocactus Pilosus gets the right nutrients.

Diseases and pests

Diseases and pests are often a challenge for plant lovers, and the Ferocactus Pilosus is unfortunately no exception. While this hardy cactus is generally quite resilient to a variety of conditions, there are a few diseases and pests you should watch out for to keep your plant healthy and happy.

A common problem with cacti, including the Ferocactus Pilosus, is root rot. This can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or a soil mix that is too heavy. To prevent root rot, it is important to place the plant in well-draining soil and minimize watering, especially during the winter months when the plant is dormant.

Another common problem with cacti is spider mites. These small mites can attack the leaves of the Ferocactus Pilosus and leave behind unsightly webs. To combat spider mites, you can regularly check the plant for signs of infection and treat with an environmentally friendly insecticide if necessary.

Aphids and mealybugs are also common pests of cacti, including the Ferocactus Pilosus. These small insects feed on the plant’s juices and can cause deformed growth and weakening of the plant. To control aphids and mealybugs, inspect the plant regularly and treat the affected areas with a garden-safe insecticide.

Another disease that can affect cacti is rot. This can be caused by overwatering, poor ventilation or bacterial infections. To prevent rot, it is important to place the plant in a well-ventilated area and minimize watering, especially in humid conditions.

In addition, cacti can be susceptible to fungal infections, such as fusarium or phytophthora. These infections can lead to yellow leaves, dying branches and general weakening of the plant. To combat fungal infections, it is important to keep the plant in a dry environment and provide sufficient air circulation.

It is important to remember that prevention is the best cure for disease and pests. Be sure to regularly inspect your Ferocactus Pilosus for signs of trouble and use proper care practices to keep your plant healthy and happy. And remember, if you have any doubts about the health of your plant, don’t hesitate to seek advice from an experienced grower or landscaper. With proper care and attention, your Ferocactus Pilosus will grow and flourish for years to come.

How and when should you prune the Ferocactus pilosus - Mexican lime cactus?

The leaves of the Ferocactus pilosus - Mexican lime cactus will eventually wither. If this is the case with a leaf, you can simply cut the stem near the trunk. It is not a problem to cut off an entire leaf with the stem of the plant. This is the way the plant forms its trunk.

How can I propagate the Ferocactus pilosus - Mexican lime cactus?

The Ferocactus Pilosus can be propagated by division and grafting. When splitting, cut off the end or side branches of the stem and plant it in the ground. Over time, many small shoots will grow and these can be cut off and moved to form new plants. When grafting, select a suitable rootstock, cut off the end of the rootstock and plant the Ferocactus Pilosus on it. After one to two weeks, the two parts will grow together and the string can be removed. Propagation is best done in the spring or autumn season when the temperature is between 15 and 20 ℃.