Ferocactus wislizeni
Ferocactus wislizeni
Fishhook barrel cactus
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Taxonomy
Family Cactaceae · Genus Ferocactus
Description
Ferocactus wislizeni, the iconic fishhook barrel cactus, forms a stout, ribbed barrel armored with hooked spines. It thrives in hot sun, needs very little water, and rewards patience with striking late-summer blooms and long-lasting yellow fruits. A hardy, characterful centerpiece for arid gardens and bright, dry windowsills.
Common Names
Fishhook barrel cactusArizona barrel cactusCompass barrel cactusCandy barrel cactusSouthwestern barrel cactusBiznaga
Context
nativeRegion
Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts of the SW United States (AZ, NM, TX) and N Mexico (Sonora, Chihuahua).
usdaZones
9–11 (with excellent drainage and winter dryness).
companionPlants
Opuntia spp. (prickly pear), Echinocereus spp., Agave parryi, Hesperaloe parviflora, Yucca baccata, Encelia farinosa (brittlebush), Fouquieria splendens (ocotillo)
culturalUses
Fruits traditionally used in the Sonoran Desert for candy/preserves; spines used as fishhooks/needles. Often planted as a living accent/barrier. Do not harvest from wild populations.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun outdoors; at least 6+ hours direct light. Indoors, brightest south/west window or strong grow light.
WateringIn spring–summer, soak then let mix dry fully (2–4+ weeks between). Winter: very sparing—just enough to prevent shrivel if cool.
SoilVery fast-draining, gritty cactus mix with 50–70% mineral (pumice, lava rock, coarse sand). Pot with large drainage holes.
FertilizerLow-nitrogen cactus fertilizer at 1/4 strength monthly in warm months; none in winter.
HumidityLow, arid conditions preferred (<40%). Provide airflow; avoid persistently humid rooms.
TemperatureIdeal 70–95°F (21–35°C); tolerates extreme heat. Protect below ~25°F (-4°C). Keep cool and dry in winter for best health.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitSolitary, heavily ribbed barrel cactus with dense, hooked spines; often leans slightly south (the “compass” habit).
Mature SizeIn pots 1–3 ft tall, 8–18 in wide; in habitat up to 3–7 ft tall and 1.5–2.5 ft wide.
Growth RateSlow.
BloomingLate summer (monsoon season): ring of orange-yellow to red flowers on the crown; followed by persistent yellow fruits.
DormancyWinter dormant—keep cool and almost dry.
Propagation
MethodsSeed, Grafting, Offsets (rare)
DifficultyModerate (easy from seed but slow to size).
Best SeasonLate spring to summer for sowing, grafting, or removing any offsets.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningMinimal. Carefully remove dried flowers/fruit or any rot with sterile tools/tongs. Avoid wounding the body.
RepottingEvery 3–5 years or when rootbound. Use a heavy, well-drained pot; keep roots dry 7–10 days after repotting to heal.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for mealybugs (including root mealybugs), scale, spider mites. Main risk is root/neck rot from overwatering or poor drainage; acclimate to sun to avoid scorch.
ToxicityGenerally non-toxic, but spines are sharp and barbed—handle with thick gloves/tongs; keep away from children and pets.
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