F. fordii is a miniature "Barrel Cactus" that flowers at a smaller size than most Ferocacti. The plant in the photo above is only 7 cm in diameter but is just forming the first flowers buds.

Heavy grey-red spines with four centrals (of which one hooked) and several spreading radials

Description: Globular single stemmed cactus slowly forming a short elongated stem, 40 cm tall, 30 cm in diameter, slightly depressed in the centre; 21 ribs; 4 central spines, 2-4 cm long;.
Flowers: Blooms in summer, flowers are diurnal purple up to 4 cm in diameter.

Cultivation: Slow growing to start but does well under cultivation. Suited for any rich, well drained soil in full sun troughout the year.   Water during the aestival growth cycle (this plant need plenty of water) But needs to be avoided  wetting the bodies of these plants while they are in sunlight. A wet cactus in the sun light can cause sun burning which can lead to scares or even fungal infections and death.  In winter keep completely dry at 10°C, but can tolerate sporadic light frost.

Plant in good conditions will start to  bloom when reach the diameter of only 7-8 cm.

Propagation: Seeds are the only way of reproducing.

Origin: Mexico (Pacific coast of Baja California: San Bartolomé)

Conservation status: Listed in CITES appendix 2.

Synonyms:  Echinocactus fordii  Orcutt 1922
 

A mature cultivated specimen.

The flowers are a rich magenta colour.

Some beautiful hybrids have been created between the monotypic genus Leuchtenbergia  and some member of the Ferocactus genus. This hybrid are known with the name Ferobergia. One the best and free flowering Ferobergia is the one involving as mother plant F. fordii

◄ Left: Ferobergia PRI-FOR  (Leuchtenbergia principis x Ferocactus fordii)