Ferocactus latispinus (syn. hirtix) – Devil’s Tongue Barrel
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Ferocactus latispinus (syn. hirtix) is a charismatic barrel cactus indigenous to the arid highlands of central and southern Mexico. Often referred to as the Devil’s Tongue due to its wide, curved central spines, this large one-off plant exemplifies the species’ solitary, slow-growing nature. While Ferocactus hirtix appears in some older texts, it is now synonymised under the widely accepted latispinus classification.
Distinctive Features
- Striking wide spines: Features flat, exaggerated central spines that curve outward dramatically, varying in shades of red to purple depending on sun exposure and age.
- Compact barrel form: Grows as a robust, ribbed sphere, typically remaining solitary with a symmetrical silhouette ideal for focal display.
- Cold-season flowers: Produces funnel-shaped, vibrant pink to violet blooms in late autumn or early winter, adding unique off-season interest.
Care Tips
- Light: Full sun is essential for compact growth and spine coloration; tolerates very bright indoor positions if supplemented with grow lights.
- Water: Water deeply but infrequently during spring and summer; completely withhold water in colder months to prevent rot.
- Humidity: Prefers arid conditions and excellent airflow; avoid placing in humid greenhouses without ventilation.
- Media: Use a gritty, free-draining cactus mix with added pumice, coarse sand, or lava rock.
- Temperature: Ideally kept between 15–30°C; tolerates short periods down to 5°C when kept dry.
- Fertiliser: Apply a diluted, low-nitrogen cactus feed monthly in active growth; do not fertilise in dormancy.
- Repotting: Repot infrequently—only when roots outgrow the container or media becomes depleted, typically every 4–5 years.
Shipping Schedule and Biosecurity Information
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Dispatch & Shipping Information
Non-Biosecurity States (QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC, SA): We now offer two dispatches per week for these regions:
- Tuesday Dispatch: Orders placed by Sunday 11:59 PM AEST.
- Friday Dispatch: Orders placed by Wednesday 11:59 PM AEST. Orders placed after these cut-offs will be dispatched on the next available day.
Biosecurity States (WA, NT, TAS): These orders require mandatory biosecurity treatment (PHC) and follow a specific weekly schedule:
- Cut-off: Orders must be placed by Thursday 11:59 PM AEST.
- Dispatch Day: Orders are processed over the weekend and dispatched on Tuesday.
Plant Health Certification (PHC) Fees:
- $20 fee applies to WA orders.
- $10 fee applies to NT and TAS orders. This fee is per order (not per plant) and is included in your shipping costat checkout.
Important Note: We operate independently from Collectors Corner. For any enquiries, please refer to our contact page
Size: 66mm Pot
