Ferocactus pilosus is a striking barrel cactus with thick red spines. Initially globe-shaped, plants eventually grow tall. Endemic to Mexico, it’s best grown in temperate climates as a houseplant, where it makes an interesting feature in the conservatory or windowsill. Flowers are yellow or red but rarely appear on cultivated plants.
Choose a planting location that receives direct sun during all or most of the day. Because barrel cactus eventually leans into the sun instead of growing precisely upright and because it has extremely sharp thorns, place it where people will not brush into it accidentally.
A good soil mixture includes 10 percent native soil, 45 percent washed sand or pumice and 45 percent compost. Barrel cactus thrives in poor and arid soil.
Drape barrel cactus with burlap or other fabric if a heavy frost is predicted in your area, as it is sensitive and could be damaged by cold temperatures.
Pick containers with drainage holes and use well-draining cactus and succulent soil with 70% to 80% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite.