Golden Barrel Cactus

Golden Barrel Cactus Care

Echinocactus grusonii

What is the plant

This succulent originating from the east and central Mexico is critically endangered in the wild as it grows only on volcanic rock on slopes 4,600 feet (1,400 m) above the sea.

This plant is perfect for outdoor rocky gardens, desert-type landscaping, and indoors is to be grown in glass rooms or conservatories for punctures from spikes that can be painful and dangerous or even require antibiotic treatment.

The globe-like stem can reach up to 60 inches (152,4 cm) tall and 37 inches (almost 100 cm) wide. It develops fast first few years and slows growth over time. After a plant gets around twenty years old, it starts to flower with small yellow flowers covering the top of a cactus, making a “crown” from late spring to summer. The plant needs little care and is spectacular in landscaping.
Another popular name for Golden Barrel Cactus is “mother-in-law cushion.”

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Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

10°C - 15°C

Hardiness zone

9a - 12b

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Overwatering, especially in winter, can cause rot of the roots and the plant itself. Keep an eye on the state of the soil from spring to autumn — it should last slightly wet — and water it rarely.
Pruning
Pruning for this cactus is not needed.
Fertilizer
High potassium fertilizer would do a great job for the golden Barrel Cactus if used every four weeks during summer.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
A lot of sun and light is what a Golden Barrel Cactus needs. Still, the location should be partly shaded if grown indoors under glass to prevent sunburn.
Soil
Standard cactus well-draining soil mix would be sufficient for this succulent.
Propagation
Use seeds of an adult plant for propagation.

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Temperature
This succulent can withstand the temperature from 50°F (10°C) to 75°F (23.8°C). Avoid frost.
Container
Repot the plant while it is young and still growing once in a year, choosing a pot at least twice the size of the root ball. One can repot the adult cactus up to every three years only for growth purposes.
Fun fact
As time passes, the cactus changes its form to an oval. The spikes form a shield to protect the plant from the sun. Desert travelers use the specific cactus and spikes location as a “compass.”