Mexican fishhook barrel cactus
ferocactus hamatacanthus
Also known as: ["Hook-spined barrel cactus","Mexican barrel cactus"]
Overview
A large, barrel-shaped cactus with prominent hooked spines and a columnar growth habit, native to arid regions of Mexico.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","deer resistant","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Ferocactus |
| Botanical Name: | Ferocactus hamatacanthus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, sunny location or outdoor garden in arid, well-drained area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus mix with added perlite or coarse sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2-3 years or when damage is observed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light; remove only dead or problematic parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); adjust to partial shade in extreme heat to prevent sunburn.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from direct midday sun in summer; place in a south-facing window indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use shade cloth in peak summer; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 10–14 days during growing season, every 4–6 weeks in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries completely between waterings; avoid overhead watering.
Soil
fast-draining cactus mix with coarse sand or perlite
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Use unglazed pots for better aeration; avoid peat-heavy soils; ensure soil dries between waterings.
Temperature
Warm temperatures (70–90°F/21–32°C) during growing season; tolerate cold to 20°F/-6°C when dormant.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during growing season with low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer
Fertilize only during active growth; avoid over-fertilizing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Seeds or offsets (if available); stem cuttings are rare due to slow growth.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Collect seeds or offsets.
- Prepare medium.
- Plant seeds shallowly or offsets firmly.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when temperatures are warm and stable.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F/21–27°C), bright indirect light, high humidity (60-70%).
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can help with cuttings.
Timeline
Seeds: 1-3 years to germinate and establish; offsets: several months to root.
Tools Needed
Seed tray, potting mix, rooting hormone, spray bottle, grow light (optional).
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds for best germination; keep offsets warm and humid; be patient with slow-growing species.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use sterilized tools to carefully cut or pull off damaged sections.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; remove dead or damaged spines/stems to maintain health and aesthetics.
Tools
Sterilized pruning shears, gloves, small brush for cleaning spines.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; wear gloves; remove only dead/damaged parts; clean plant afterward.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2-3 inches in diameter; ensure bottom drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant carefully; trim roots if needed; repot in fresh cactus mix with good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 3-4 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary for growth and drainage.
Checklist
Prepare new pot and soil; handle plant carefully; water lightly after repotting; place in bright light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without waterlogging; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply during the growing season (spring-summer) every 7-10 days, reducing frequency to monthly in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and humidity.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand or perlite to commercial cactus mix; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Sunburn (yellow/brown patches); stunted growth; root rot in cold, wet soil.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause root damage if soil remains wet in cold conditions.
Solution: Ensure well-draining soil; move indoors or to a protected area below 20°F/-6°C; avoid watering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch; dehydration; reduced growth in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water early morning or late evening.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced cactus fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply monthly in spring-summer; cease in fall-winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are susceptible to toxicity from Ferocactus hamatacanthus upon ingestion, experiencing gastrointestinal distress and potential systemic effects. The spines can cause physical injury, particularly to the delicate tissues of the mouth and digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIngestion of Ferocactus hamatacanthus by dogs can lead to gastrointestinal upset and mild systemic toxicity. The spines pose a physical hazard, potentially causing injury to the mouth, throat, or digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicThe Ferocactus hamatacanthus contains toxic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress and mild systemic effects upon ingestion. The spines can also cause physical injury, leading to secondary infections if not properly treated.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much sunlight does Ferocactus hamatacanthus need?
A: It requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and health.
Q: Is this cactus frost-tolerant?
A: It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Q: How often should I water this cactus?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, especially during the dormant winter months.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 10–14 days during grow |
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