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Etymology:
The name of the
hybrid
genus " X Ferobergia
" derives from the contracted names of the
two parent genera "Ferocactus"
and "Leuchtenbergia " from which this plant
has been originated. The “X” before the name means
“hybrid”
Description: X
Ferobergia is a horticultural intergeneric hybrid, made by crossing
one of the various species of Ferocactus (as a female) and
Leuchtenbergia principis (as a male). These hybrids are
very variable, due to the intersection of characters deriving from
the parents. Sometime a seedling loses some chlorophyll on the way,
and the plants became variegated (see: variegated Ferobergia).
Tubercles: Generally they have more or less long, three-sided
tubercles, often with a basal “chin”, rather than arranged along
ribs. The areoles are at the tips of tubercles.
Some ferobergia produce drops of nectar from areolar glands like
Ferocactus.
Spines: Very variable, some plants have long, harmless,
and papery spines (similar to those of Leuchtenbergia), while other
others have short and stout, eventually hooked spines (more similar
to those of Ferocacti) .
Flowers: Usually yellow, but also pink or magenta.
Phenology:
Blossoms intermittently from spring to fall.
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Cultivation: It grow easily from seed in
cultivation. Despite being revered by many collectors, they are not
too difficult to cultivate. Use a very quick-draining mineral mix and
water just enough, if possible from below. Water carefully.
Lack of
water will make the tip of the tubercles yellow. Too much water will
make it rot. The ferobergia has a strong tap root, and should have a
deep pot to accommodate it. This can complicate things as a deeper
pot dries out more slowly.
Keep dry at minimum temperature of 5° C in winter, although
it will
tolerate brief periods down to -5 degrees. It should be grown in light
shade.
Propagation: Seeds or graft, occasional
offsets and even cuttings of tubercles (but with little success)
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Cultivation
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