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Ferobergia ( Ferocactus sp. X Leuchtenbergia )
Leuchtenbergia is closely related to Ferocactus and they can
apparently hybridize producing the plant commonly called Ferobergia
hybrid (they're genetically close enough for it to work). These very
variable hybrids often have a “chin” at the base of each tubercle.
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Photo of forms and
cultivars of Ferobergia:
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Family:
Cactaceae
Scientific Name:
X
Ferobergia
Glass
Published in:
Cactus & Succulent
Journal
(America) 38(5): 177-178. Sept. /Oct - 1966
Origin:
Garden origin (Nursery
produced intergeneric hybrid)
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”
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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. The length of the tubercles and spines are the more
variable of the trait and a great variety of forms can be found in
cultivation.
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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A drop of
nectar from an
areolar
gland
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
and Mail Sale 
