Devils tongue cactus, a flattened green barrel with broad hooked red spines and purple-pink flowers in a pot

Devils Tongue Cactus

Ferocactus latispinus
Categories:
Cacti & Succulents  ·  
Barrel & Globe Cactus
Light
Full sun (afternoon shade in low desert)
Water
Low water needs. Water deeply, then allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. Keep nearly dry during cool winter weather; avoid frequent shallow watering.
Size
1 ft tall × 1 ft wide
Habit
Barrel/globular cactus
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Description
Devil’s tongue cactus usually refers to Ferocactus latispinus, a flattened barrel cactus with broad, hooked central spines. ‘Ferocactus acanthoides’ is not a standard accepted name; the care details below assume F. latispinus.
Bloom Time
Fall to winter
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Drought Tolerant, Thorny / Spiny
Growth Rate
Slow
Growth Habit
Barrel/globular cactus
Mature Size
1 ft tall × 1 ft wide
Flower Color
Pink to purple
Foliage Color
Green
Landscape Use
Border / Bed, Cactus / Succulent Garden, Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape
Garden Style
Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape
Soil
Amended / Rich, Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Golden barrel cactus, Mammillaria, Queen Victoria agave, Santa Rita prickly pear
Non-toxic
Non-toxic
Care Instructions

Light: Bright light with morning sun; light afternoon shade is beneficial during Phoenix summers. Acclimate gradually to stronger sun to prevent scorching.

Water: Low water needs. Water deeply, then allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. Keep nearly dry during cool winter weather; avoid frequent shallow watering.

Soil: Very well-drained, mineral-rich cactus soil with pumice, gravel, or coarse grit. Use raised planting areas where native soil drains poorly.

Mature size: Approximately 1–1.5 feet tall and wide; remains smaller for many years.

Bloom: Typically late fall into early winter once sufficiently mature; flowering depends on light, temperature, and plant health.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen succulent with a persistent green stem and no conventional foliage.

Growth rate: Slow.