Scientific Name
Ferocactus glaucescens 'Nudus'
Accepted Scientific Name
Ferocactus glaucescens (DC.) Britton & Rose
Synonym(s)
Ferocactus glaucescens f. inermis, Ferocactus glaucescens 'Inermis', Ferocactus glaucescens f. nudus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Ferocactus
Origin
This cactus is a form of Ferocactus glaucescens selected for its spineless stems.
Description
Ferocactus glaucescens 'Nudus', also known as Ferocactus glaucescens 'Inermis', is a slow-growing cactus with spherical to somewhat elongate stems depressed at the apex, with few or no spines and 11 to 15 acute, somewhat tuberculate ribs. The stems grow up to 22 inches (55 cm) tall and up to 20 inches (50 cm) in diameter, solitary or basally suckering to form a clump. The ribs are up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in depth. Areoles are greyish-white felted, circular to oblong, and up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) apart. Flowers are funnel-shaped, lemon yellow, up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter, and appear near the crown in late spring and summer. Fruits are white, spherical, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter, and with remnants of the flowers attached.
Etymology
The cultivar epithet "nudus (NEW-dus)" is a Latin adjective meaning "unclothed, nude, naked" and refers to the spinless stems.
How to Grow and Care for Ferocactus glaucescens 'Nudus'
Light: Choose a location that receives direct sun during all or most of the day. This cactus might etiolate or lean towards light sources if it does not get enough sunlight. A sunny window is a good spot to grow F. glaucescens 'Nudus' indoors. Rotate the pot a quarter turn every two weeks to encourage balanced growth.
Soil: F. glaucescens 'Nudus' requires a porous soil that provides plenty of aeration and excellent drainage. Use commercial soil mixes for cacti or make your own with 70% to 80% mineral grit, such as coarse sand, perlite, or pumice.
Hardiness: This cactus is tolerant to extreme heat but cannot tolerate freezing temperatures for extended periods. F. glaucescens 'Nudus' can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
Watering: During the growing season, from spring to fall, water deeply and wait for the soil to completely dry out before watering again. Keep the soil dry in winter.
Fertilizing: Feeding your F. glaucescens 'Nudus' will help to encourage healthy growth. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, diluted to 1/4 strength, from spring to fall. Do not fertilize during the winter.
Repotting: This cactus does not need repotting often. Repot only when it is outgrowing its pot. Pick a container with drainage holes.
Propagation: If you have a specimen with offsets, F. glaucescens 'Nudus' is easy to propagate by dividing them during the growing season.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Ferocactus.
Toxicity of Ferocactus glaucescens 'Nudus'
F. glaucescens 'Nudus' is generally non-toxic to humans and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Ferocactus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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