Mexican lime cactus
Ferocactus pilosus
USDA zones9 to 12
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterNeeds dry soil
Size2 to 8 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Mexican lime cactus (Ferocactus pilosus) is a succulent for borders, containers, and low maintenance gardens. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 9 and warmer, down to about 20°F (-7°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes full or part sun and dry, sandy or loamy soil. It is drought tolerant and stays evergreen, and bees visit it. Deer and rabbits rarely make it their first choice.
Pairs well with American century plant, Narrow-leaf chalksticks, and Vetiver.