Contents
Description
Ferocactus Hamatacanthus, also known as the Mexican Lime Cactus, is a type of cactus that belongs to the family Cactaceae. This species is native to Mexico, specifically in the states of Hidalgo, San Luis Potosi, and Queretaro. It is a slow-growing cactus that can reach up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The plant has a cylindrical shape with a slightly curved stem that has 21-30 ribs. Its spines are yellow or light brown and can grow up to 2 inches long. The plant produces yellow flowers that are up to 2 inches in diameter and bloom in the summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Ferocactus |
| Species | Ferocactus Hamatacanthus |
Appearance
The Ferocactus Hamatacanthus has a cylindrical shape with a slightly curved stem that has 21-30 ribs. Its spines are yellow or light brown and can grow up to 2 inches long. The plant produces yellow flowers that are up to 2 inches in diameter and bloom in the summer. The Mexican Lime Cactus has a greenish-gray color that fades into a bluish-green hue over time. The plant’s size can range from small to medium, reaching up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
Care Guide
The Ferocactus Hamatacanthus is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to take care of this cactus:Water: Water the Mexican Lime Cactus only when the soil is dry to the touch. During the summer, water the plant once a week, and during the winter, water the plant once a month. Overwatering can lead to root rot.Fertilization: Fertilize the cactus once a month during the growing season, which is from spring to fall. Use a low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer.Soil: The Mexican Lime Cactus prefers well-draining soil. Use a mixture of sand, perlite, and cactus soil.Sunlight: This cactus thrives in full sun or partial shade. Place it in a sunny spot for at least 6 hours a day.Hardiness Zones: The Ferocactus Hamatacanthus can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-6.7°C) and is hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Ferocactus Hamatacanthus is susceptible to pests and diseases such as:Scale insects: These insects appear as small bumps on the plant’s surface and can cause yellowing or browning of the cactus. Use an insecticide to get rid of them.Spider mites: These tiny insects can cause yellowing or bronzing of the plant. Use an insecticide or a blast of water to remove them.Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot, which can lead to the death of the plant. To avoid this, water the cactus only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Habitat
The Ferocactus Hamatacanthus is native to Mexico and can be found in the states of Hidalgo, San Luis Potosi, and Queretaro. It grows in rocky terrain or on hillsides at elevations of up to 6,000 feet.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water the Ferocactus Hamatacanthus?
A: Water the cactus once a week during the summer and once a month during the winter.Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Mexican Lime Cactus?
A: The Ferocactus Hamatacanthus is hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11.Q: How tall can the Ferocactus Hamatacanthus grow?
A: The plant can reach up to 3 feet tall.Q: How often should I fertilize the Mexican Lime Cactus?
A: Fertilize the cactus once a month during the growing season, which is from spring to fall.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Ferocactus Hamatacanthus:- Ferocactus glaucescens- Ferocactus stainesii- Ferocactus cylindraceus- Ferocactus latispinus
References
– “Ferocactus hamatacanthus” Succulent Guide, Accessed August 16, 2021, https://succulentguide.com/ferocactus-hamatacanthus/- “Ferocactus hamatacanthus” CactusArt, Accessed August 16, 2021, https://www.cactus-art.biz/schede/FEROCACTUS/Ferocactus_hamatacanthus/Ferocactus_hamatacanthus/Ferocactus_hamatacanthus.htm – “Ferocactus hamatacanthus” World of Succulents, Accessed August 16, 2021, https://worldofsucculents.com/ferocactus-hamatacanthus-mexican-lime-cactus/
