- Origin of the spherical cactus species
- Mostly grown as a foliage plant
- The spherical cactus horizonthalonius blooms best
There are countless types of spherical cactus, also known as mother-in-law's chair or mother-in-law's seat. A lot of them get huge. Only a few species are suitable for indoor culture. Most varieties will not flower, even if you do everything right with care.
The ball cactus can also grow very large as a houseplant
Origin of the spherical cactus species
All species of ball cactus are native to Mexico. They develop a spherical stature and are usually light green in color. Adult specimens have up to 30 ribs. The thorns can become very long and sharp.
Ball cacti can get very old in the wild. They then reach a height of five meters and more and a diameter of one meter. Of course, the spherical cactus does not get that big in indoor culture.
Only a few species are suitable for rearing in room culture, including the Echinocactus grusonii and the Echinocactus horizonthalonius.
Mostly grown as a foliage plant
The care of a spherical cactus is not complex. Only hibernation is not easy, since the spherical cactus enters a cooler phase in winter. During this time the temperatures should be between 12 and 15 degrees. The frost-sensitive plant does not tolerate cooler than 10 degrees.
If the hibernation is not observed, the spherical cactus cannot form any flowers.
In summer you are welcome to place a leaf cactus on the terrace or balcony. You just have to get him back inside in time before the temperatures drop too low.
The spherical cactus horizonthalonius blooms best
The ball cactus can also reach a considerable size in room culture. On the other hand, not all varieties develop flowers. The ball cactus horizonthalonius is the most likely to bloom.
It takes years for a spherical cactus to flower for the first time. Only mature specimens produce flowers.
The ball cactus can be propagated from seeds. However, the flowers are hardly ever fertilized in this country, so you have to switch to purchased seeds.
tips
The ball cactus, botanically Echinocactus grusonii, is not poisonous like almost all types of cactus. However, the thorns, which are very sharp and long, can be dangerous. If you have to touch the spherical cactus, wrap it in a terry towel.