golden barrel cactus

Echinocactus grusonii

Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) is a spiny, globe-shaped cactus native to Mexico. These cacti range in size from a few inches to a few feet in diameter, with mature plants reaching up to 3 feet in height. It has a distinctively golden-yellow color, caused by the thread-like hairs that cover the outside of each spines. The species is extremely drought-tolerant and can thrive in tropical climates. It is also relatively easy to care for—just make sure the soil is constantly dry. Suited for both indoors and outdoor spaces, golden barrel cactus is a delightful addition to any home.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Showy, Yellow Flowers In Summer

Sun:

full sun

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

Fruits In Autumn Ready In

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

watering

Watering your Golden Barrel Cactus should be done only every 4-6 weeks. When watering, soak the soil completely so that water runs out of the bottom of the pot. Allow the soil to dry completely before the next watering. Avoid over-watering, which can cause root-rot, as this cactus does not tolerate overly wet soil. During the summer months, when the cactus is actively growing, you can increase the watering frequency, but take care not to stimulate new growth in the winter when it’s dormant.

sunlight

Golden barrel cactus requires plenty of direct sunlight and a significant amount of heat to flourish. It is best to place the plant outdoors in the summer, in a spot that receives full sun throughout the day, ensuring that it gets at least 8 hours a day of direct sun. In the winter months, the cactus should be moved indoors where it is well-lit, but not in direct sunlight. It is important to ensure that the temperature of its environment does not drop below 10°C (50°F) for any length of time.

pruning

Golden Barrel Cactus should only be pruned at the beginning of the growing season, between April and June, when the cactus is actively expanding and adding new growth. Pruning should be done sparingly, as these cacti are quite slow-growing and can be easily damaged. When pruning, be sure to cut only the top 1-2 inches of the cactus and no more. This will avoid damaging the existing stems or the living tissue underneath the spines. Golden Barrel Cacti are very sensitive to overwatering, so be sure to provide only small amounts of water for the cactus’s roots and do not water excessively.