Synonyms:

• Brittonrosea albata
• Echinocactus albatus
• Echinofossulocactus spinosus f. albatus
• Efossus albatus
• Stenocactus albatus

Habitat:

-It is native of Mexico.

Description:

-Echinofossulocactus albatus is an usually solitary cactus. Its stem can grow up to 10 or more cm; it is spherical but can become elongate with age. The apex is covered in white wool and spines. It usually has 35 ribs at 1.5 cm intervals; areoles appear between ribs. White radial spines (10 to 25) are 1 cm long while longer central spines are usually darker and flat.

Cultivation:

-E. albatus is perfect for beginners: it is easy to grow and to take care of! It is slow growing, it prefers a very draining mineral potting substrate but will grow nicely in most of soils. Use pot with good drainage. Mature plants reach 10-20 cm. Old plants are weak and tend to die easily: to protect them put them in a dry spot with bright sunlight and repot them every 2-3 years. Water regularly in summer and spring but always let dry the soil during waterings (the plant is very rot prone), don’t water in winter to allow dormancy. Start watering again in March. Feeding is not necessary when the plant is repotted often in fresh soil. Only use high potassium fertilizer in the summer and never feed it after September (that could kill the plant). It is very frost tolerant when dormant, while in summer it is better to put it in a bright spot outside, especially where temperatures reach 30°C. However, give some protection or half shade in the hottest hours during summer.

Propagation:

-Propagate by seeds. If available, it is possible to use shoots as well, but remember to let them dry for a few days, allowing the wound to heal.

Curiosity:

-In the wild, this species occurs in the desert scrubs.