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What kind of cactus did I buy?

894 Views 4 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  hedge_fund
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Hello.

I did an impulse buy today as I was picking up some potting soil for my little money tree plant. Saw this pretty big cactus for 7.99 and it peaked my interest. It's about 6 inches high and 4 inches across with spikes that are about 1.5 inches long (purple color). Since it came in a cheap plastic pot I purchased a nicer one and just used some potting soil....I did layer it with some eco-complete which I have sitting around (this should increase draining).

Any ideas on the type it is or how to take care of it?

Right after transplanting:





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Gymnocalycium is one that comes to mind. Usually the ribs between the spine are somewhat indented, but not always.
Ferocactus is another genus that often has large, but few spines. Many of the species have somewhat flattened spines.

Without a proper ID I would not put it in too hot a window, but bright light. Often even the full sun cacti are grown under shade cloth or in a greenhouse, and are not ready for full sun.

Allow the soil to get fairly dry between watering.

If you use any sort of house plant fertilizer I would cut the recipe in half, and only dose half as often (so 1/4 as much as most house plants). If you are using used aquarium water, then I would not use it every time. 1 time used aquarium water then 3 times use just tap water.
Gymnocalycium is one that comes to mind. Usually the ribs between the spine are somewhat indented, but not always.
Ferocactus is another genus that often has large, but few spines. Many of the species have somewhat flattened spines.

Without a proper ID I would not put it in too hot a window, but bright light. Often even the full sun cacti are grown under shade cloth or in a greenhouse, and are not ready for full sun.

Allow the soil to get fairly dry between watering.

If you use any sort of house plant fertilizer I would cut the recipe in half, and only dose half as often (so 1/4 as much as most house plants). If you are using used aquarium water, then I would not use it every time. 1 time used aquarium water then 3 times use just tap water.
You seem to know about everything :)
http://www.cactusbylin.com/product/New-164418564_Globular-Ferocactus-pilosus-cactus-MD

I would suggest putting into a larger pot in a few months (spring) and let it live outdoors once you get it used to full sun. Normal ferts and a yearly re-potting and it will grow just fine. Place pea rock on top of the soil to regulate water loss. I miss my cactus collection. I has 56 different species including a jade tree heavier than I am. Also, they bite, and the spines have a coating of wax on them that you could react to if stuck.
Thanks all. This is my first cactus every and it's probably my favorite plant in my apt.

Obakemono --- that looks like it!
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