How to Grow and Care for Devil’s Tongue Cactus

The Devil’s Tongue Cactus (Ferocactus latispinus), also known as the Crow’s Claw Cactus, is a striking desert plant native to Mexico. This captivating and resilient species is recognized for its dramatic appearance, making it a popular choice for desert plant collections.

Devil’s Tongue Cactus Care

Light

The Devil’s Tongue Cactus requires full sun exposure, with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown indoors, a south-facing or west-facing windowsill is the best position to ensure it receives adequate light. Insufficient light can lead to etiolation, where the plant stretches and becomes discolored.

Soil

This cactus requires soil with excellent drainage to prevent root water accumulation. A commercial cactus and succulent mix is a reliable option, or you can create your own by combining potting soil with mineral grit like coarse sand, perlite, or pumice. The goal is a fertile medium that does not retain excessive moisture.

Water

The most common issue in caring for this cactus is overwatering. Use a “soak and dry” method, watering the plant thoroughly only when the soil has completely dried out. During the spring and summer growing season, this may mean watering once every one to two weeks. In the winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering significantly to prevent root rot.

Temperature and Hardiness

This cactus thrives in warm conditions and is not frost-tolerant. It withstands temperatures down to about 32-40°F (0-4°C). If you live in an area with colder winters, grow the Devil’s Tongue Cactus in a container that can be brought indoors. It is well-suited for USDA hardiness zone 10 and above.

Fertilizer

Fertilizing is not required, but it can encourage vigorous growth and flowering. If you fertilize, use a balanced fertilizer formulated for cacti and succulents, which is low in nitrogen. Apply it only during the active growing season in spring and summer, and cease during fall and winter dormancy.

Appearance and Flowering

The Devil’s Tongue Cactus has a solitary body that is typically globular or barrel-shaped when young, sometimes becoming more columnar as it matures. Its surface is defined by prominent ribs that create a star-like pattern when viewed from above. The plant’s body is blue-green, which can shift to a gray-green hue in high sunlight.

The most notable feature of this cactus is its spines. It possesses an array of them, but the central spines are what give the plant its name. One of these central spines is exceptionally long, broad, flat, and hooked at the tip, resembling a tongue. These signature spines are often a vibrant reddish color, contrasting with the plant’s green body.

This cactus produces funnel-shaped flowers that are typically a reddish-purple or sometimes yellowish color and emerge from the crown of the plant. Flowering usually occurs in the late fall or early winter. For the plant to produce flowers, it needs to reach a certain level of maturity and receive ample sunlight throughout the year.

Propagation and Repotting

Propagating the Devil’s Tongue Cactus is best done from seed, as the plant rarely produces offsets. To grow from seed, sow them in a well-draining cactus mix in the spring or fall. Cover the pot with plastic film to maintain humidity until the seeds germinate, then remove it for air circulation.

Repotting should be done every two to four years or when the cactus has visibly outgrown its container. When repotting, carefully remove the plant from its old pot, using gloves or tongs for protection from the sharp spines. Place it in a new container with fresh, dry cactus soil and wait a week before watering to allow the roots to heal.

Common Problems

The most significant problem affecting Devil’s Tongue Cactus is root rot. Signs include a mushy, yellowing, or drooping texture, especially at the base of the plant. If you suspect root rot, reduce watering immediately and check the roots, trimming away any that are black or soft.

Common pests include mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses on the plant, while spider mites are harder to see but may create fine webbing. For small infestations, remove these pests by dabbing them with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. For more widespread issues, insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can be effective.