Shop ‘Ferocactus gracilis coloratus – Fire Barrel Cactus’ Care and Info | Planet Desert

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A person in a gray hoodie holds a potted Fire Barrel Cactus with long red spines, gravel on the soil, and more plants in the background.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus with deep ridges and sharp reddish-brown and white spines, set among light pebbles and an earthy backdrop.
A hand displays a large Fire Barrel Cactus with vivid red spines, surrounded by rows of barrel cacti and succulents in a greenhouse.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) in a pot, with long red spines and yellow spots, outdoors.
Top view of Fire Barrel Cactus with red-tipped spines on a ribbed green body. Smaller potted cacti are neatly arranged in the background.
A person in a gray hoodie holds a Fire Barrel Cactus with thick green ribs and reddish spines, surrounded by potted plants in a greenhouse.
Top view of Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) in a black pot with long red spines, set on light gravel.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus with long, sharp reddish spines on ribbed green surface; blurred earthy and green background.
Fire Barrel Cactus with thick green ribs and long red spines in a small pot of multicolored pebbles, with water droplets on top.
Close-up of Ferocactus gracilis 'Coloratus' with vivid red and yellow spines, potted in white and black pebbles with water droplets.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus—Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’ with green stems and red spines in a pot of small rocks.
Fire Barrel Cactus—Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’ with reddish spines in a black pot with light gravel, set against a warm background.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) with vivid red and brown spines, surrounded by other cacti in a nursery.
Large Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) with reddish-brown spines in light gravel, potted among cacti in a greenhouse.
A Fire Barrel Cactus with long sharp spines in a pebble-filled black pot, surrounded by other cacti and succulents in a greenhouse.
A person in a gray hoodie holds a Fire Barrel Cactus with ribbed green flesh and reddish-brown spines, surrounded by greenhouse plants.
Close-up of Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’ Fire Barrel Cactus with green ribs, reddish spines, and yellow fuzzy spine clusters.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’ with long red spines, yellow fuzzy clusters, and green body on pebbles.
Fire Barrel Cactus close-up showing ribbed green sections with clusters of long red and yellow spines on white, fuzzy areoles.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) with ribbed, fleshy surface and long reddish-white spines on pebbles.
Close-up of the Fire Barrel Cactus, Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’, with thick green stems and red spines among pebbles in a planter.
Close-up of a Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) with red and yellow spines, pebbles, and water droplets visible.
Close-up of a Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) with long brown and white spines in a pot with small rocks.
Fire Barrel Cactus with a round green body, long red and white spines, and bright red flower in beige rocks; blurred green background.
Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) with long spines and red growths, potted in soil; blurred plants in background.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) with long spines and a bright red bloom, set against a blurred green background.
Fire Barrel Cactus with long pink spines and a bright pink flower in a pebble-filled pot, set against a blurred green background.
Close-up of Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’ (Fire Barrel Cactus) with long spines and reddish-pink buds, set against a clear blue sky.
Green, round Fire Barrel Cactus with long spines and vibrant red flowers sits in a pebble-filled pot against a blurred green background.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus, Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’, with long reddish spines and a vivid red bloom against a blurred background.
Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) in a pot with pebbles, pinkish-red flowers blooming on top, outdoor background.
The Fire Barrel Cactus has a green body, long spines, and pink flowers, shown in a green pot with pebbles against a blurred background.
Fire Barrel Cactus with long, curved spines and pinkish-red blooms in a pot of white rocks, set before a blurred garden background.
Fire Barrel Cactus in a pot with long curved spines and pinkish-red blooms, set outdoors on gravel with blurred plants behind.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus with sharp spines and a bright orange-red bloom, centered against a softly blurred sandy background.
Fire Barrel Cactus with round body, long curved spines, and pinkish-red flowers, potted in gravel against a blurred garden background.
Fire Barrel Cactus—Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’—with long spines and pink blooms in a pot of light gravel, garden background.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus, Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’, with sharp spines and a red-yellow flower, against a sandy blurred background.
Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) with long spines and a coral-orange bloom, potted on gravel in bright sunlight.
Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) with red-orange flowers and long spines in a pot on gravel, in bright sunlight.
Fire Barrel Cactus with long, curved spines and orange-pink blooms in a rock-filled pot set on sandy ground outdoors.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus with round shape, long spines, orange-red flower in bloom, unopened buds, and sandy blurred background.
A person in a gray hoodie holds a potted Fire Barrel Cactus with long red spines, gravel on the soil, and more plants in the background.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus with deep ridges and sharp reddish-brown and white spines, set among light pebbles and an earthy backdrop.
A hand displays a large Fire Barrel Cactus with vivid red spines, surrounded by rows of barrel cacti and succulents in a greenhouse.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) in a pot, with long red spines and yellow spots, outdoors.
Top view of Fire Barrel Cactus with red-tipped spines on a ribbed green body. Smaller potted cacti are neatly arranged in the background.
A person in a gray hoodie holds a Fire Barrel Cactus with thick green ribs and reddish spines, surrounded by potted plants in a greenhouse.
Top view of Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) in a black pot with long red spines, set on light gravel.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus with long, sharp reddish spines on ribbed green surface; blurred earthy and green background.
Fire Barrel Cactus with thick green ribs and long red spines in a small pot of multicolored pebbles, with water droplets on top.
Close-up of Ferocactus gracilis &
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus—Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’ with green stems and red spines in a pot of small rocks.
Fire Barrel Cactus—Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’ with reddish spines in a black pot with light gravel, set against a warm background.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) with vivid red and brown spines, surrounded by other cacti in a nursery.
Large Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) with reddish-brown spines in light gravel, potted among cacti in a greenhouse.
A Fire Barrel Cactus with long sharp spines in a pebble-filled black pot, surrounded by other cacti and succulents in a greenhouse.
A person in a gray hoodie holds a Fire Barrel Cactus with ribbed green flesh and reddish-brown spines, surrounded by greenhouse plants.
Close-up of Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’ Fire Barrel Cactus with green ribs, reddish spines, and yellow fuzzy spine clusters.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’ with long red spines, yellow fuzzy clusters, and green body on pebbles.
Fire Barrel Cactus close-up showing ribbed green sections with clusters of long red and yellow spines on white, fuzzy areoles.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) with ribbed, fleshy surface and long reddish-white spines on pebbles.
Close-up of the Fire Barrel Cactus, Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’, with thick green stems and red spines among pebbles in a planter.
Close-up of a Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) with red and yellow spines, pebbles, and water droplets visible.
Close-up of a Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) with long brown and white spines in a pot with small rocks.
Fire Barrel Cactus with a round green body, long red and white spines, and bright red flower in beige rocks; blurred green background.
Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) with long spines and red growths, potted in soil; blurred plants in background.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) with long spines and a bright red bloom, set against a blurred green background.
Fire Barrel Cactus with long pink spines and a bright pink flower in a pebble-filled pot, set against a blurred green background.
Close-up of Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’ (Fire Barrel Cactus) with long spines and reddish-pink buds, set against a clear blue sky.
Green, round Fire Barrel Cactus with long spines and vibrant red flowers sits in a pebble-filled pot against a blurred green background.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus, Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’, with long reddish spines and a vivid red bloom against a blurred background.
Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) in a pot with pebbles, pinkish-red flowers blooming on top, outdoor background.
The Fire Barrel Cactus has a green body, long spines, and pink flowers, shown in a green pot with pebbles against a blurred background.
Fire Barrel Cactus with long, curved spines and pinkish-red blooms in a pot of white rocks, set before a blurred garden background.
Fire Barrel Cactus in a pot with long curved spines and pinkish-red blooms, set outdoors on gravel with blurred plants behind.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus with sharp spines and a bright orange-red bloom, centered against a softly blurred sandy background.
Fire Barrel Cactus with round body, long curved spines, and pinkish-red flowers, potted in gravel against a blurred garden background.
Fire Barrel Cactus—Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’—with long spines and pink blooms in a pot of light gravel, garden background.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus, Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’, with sharp spines and a red-yellow flower, against a sandy blurred background.
Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) with long spines and a coral-orange bloom, potted on gravel in bright sunlight.
Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’) with red-orange flowers and long spines in a pot on gravel, in bright sunlight.
Fire Barrel Cactus with long, curved spines and orange-pink blooms in a rock-filled pot set on sandy ground outdoors.
Close-up of Fire Barrel Cactus with round shape, long spines, orange-red flower in bloom, unopened buds, and sandy blurred background.

Introducing the Ferocactus gracilis coloratus, known as fire barrel cactus, which is a popular barrel cactus that belongs to the Ferocactus, opens in a new tab genus. The name "fire barrel" is derived from its fiery red or orange spines, which add to its visual appeal. 

Native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, it is well-adapted to survive in harsh desert environments and is known for its ability to withstand extreme temperatures and prolonged periods of drought. 

The Fire Barrel Cactus has a rounded green body with long, curved red spines, shown growing in rocky sandy soil.

The Ferocactus gracilis coloratus is an unbranched, deep green, erect plant up to 10 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with prominent ribs and long central spines that can grow up to 1 foot long.

It was initially globular like most barrel cactus but later became cylindrical.

The central spines are often straight, but they have yellow tips and a hooked end.

The Ferocactus gracilis var. coloratus is a beautiful cactus with unique spines and seeds.

Its lower spines are similar to those of the Ferocactus gracilis species but less broad and have less red pigment, while its seeds are more angular and irregular. The var. coloratus spines have shorter upper and lower central spines than the Ferocactus gracilis.  

When it comes to flowers, the fire barrel cactus produces beautiful blooms in shades of red with darker red midveins. These flowers typically appear in late spring to early summer and attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the cactus develops small, fleshy fruits that contain seeds. 

When it comes to care, the fire barrel cactus thrives in well-draining soil, opens in a new tab and requires full sun exposure to ensure optimal growth. It is highly drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering, especially during the summer months. It's important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.  

Ferocactus gracilis coloratus thrives indoors in temperatures between 50-80°F and prefers to be placed outdoors in USDA zones 9-11 for optimal growth. Additionally, providing protection from frost during the winter months is crucial. 

In terms of propagation, the fire barrel cactus can be propagated through seeds or by carefully removing and replanting its offsets, also known as pups. It's important to handle the cactus with care, as its spines can be sharp and prickly. 

Don't miss out on this opportunity to add something truly exceptional to your garden. Order your very own fire barrel cactus for sale today! 

Additionally, if you want to learn more about other popular barrel cacti, click here, opens in a new tab to read about the Barrel cactus varieties. 

Bloom Season

Late spring--early summer

Flower Color

Red

Growth Rate

Fast

Hardiness Zone

9--10--11

Mature Size

Up to 10 ft. tall--3 ft. wide

Plant Type

Cactus

Resistance

Extremely drought-tolerant--heat tolerant--deer resistant--pest resistant

Sun Exposure

Full sun (6+ hrs.)--Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun)

Watering Needs

Low
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Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features

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Fire Barrel Cactus – Ferocactus gracilis ‘Coloratus’

sku: 2153

25 reviews
$ 60.97
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Size
Height:
Diameter:
Height: 5"-7"
Diameter: 5"-7"
Height: 7"-9"
Diameter: 7"-9"
Height: 10"-12"
Diameter: 9"-11"

Please note: All Landscape Ready plants that are in a 6-inch pot or larger WILL NOT come with a pot as it will be shipped bare root.

Please note: Our large plants are many years old, and as a result, they might have minor scaring but will arrive 100% healthy and looking great.

Please note: Our large plants are shipped bare root. They are also many years old, and as a result, they might have minor scaring but will arrive healthy and looking great.

Please note: All perennial drought tolerant plants 6 inch and larger plants will be shipped bare root. Before sending perennial plants, we often trim the leafy parts and remove flowers or buds. This helps them survive shipping and adjust to transplanting better.
Perennial plants shipped Mon - Wed only.

Please note: Perennial plants shipped Mon - Wed only.

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What makes us different is the passion and the attention to detail in all we do here at Planet Desert. We are confident in the quality of our products. That’s why all our plants have a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you can return the product and get a refund or exchange it for another one — similar or not. Shipping charges may apply.

You can return a product for up to 14 days from the date of purchase. Please submit photos with your order number to info@planetdesert.com to initiate your return. Shipping fees may apply.

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  • Description
  • Key Plant Features

Introducing the Ferocactus gracilis coloratus, known as fire barrel cactus, which is a popular barrel cactus that belongs to the Ferocactus, opens in a new tab genus. The name "fire barrel" is derived from its fiery red or orange spines, which add to its visual appeal. 

Native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, it is well-adapted to survive in harsh desert environments and is known for its ability to withstand extreme temperatures and prolonged periods of drought. 

The Fire Barrel Cactus has a rounded green body with long, curved red spines, shown growing in rocky sandy soil.

The Ferocactus gracilis coloratus is an unbranched, deep green, erect plant up to 10 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with prominent ribs and long central spines that can grow up to 1 foot long.

It was initially globular like most barrel cactus but later became cylindrical.

The central spines are often straight, but they have yellow tips and a hooked end.

The Ferocactus gracilis var. coloratus is a beautiful cactus with unique spines and seeds.

Its lower spines are similar to those of the Ferocactus gracilis species but less broad and have less red pigment, while its seeds are more angular and irregular. The var. coloratus spines have shorter upper and lower central spines than the Ferocactus gracilis.  

When it comes to flowers, the fire barrel cactus produces beautiful blooms in shades of red with darker red midveins. These flowers typically appear in late spring to early summer and attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the cactus develops small, fleshy fruits that contain seeds. 

When it comes to care, the fire barrel cactus thrives in well-draining soil, opens in a new tab and requires full sun exposure to ensure optimal growth. It is highly drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering, especially during the summer months. It's important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.  

Ferocactus gracilis coloratus thrives indoors in temperatures between 50-80°F and prefers to be placed outdoors in USDA zones 9-11 for optimal growth. Additionally, providing protection from frost during the winter months is crucial. 

In terms of propagation, the fire barrel cactus can be propagated through seeds or by carefully removing and replanting its offsets, also known as pups. It's important to handle the cactus with care, as its spines can be sharp and prickly. 

Don't miss out on this opportunity to add something truly exceptional to your garden. Order your very own fire barrel cactus for sale today! 

Additionally, if you want to learn more about other popular barrel cacti, click here, opens in a new tab to read about the Barrel cactus varieties. 

Bloom Season

Late spring--early summer

Flower Color

Red

Growth Rate

Fast

Hardiness Zone

9--10--11

Mature Size

Up to 10 ft. tall--3 ft. wide

Plant Type

Cactus

Resistance

Extremely drought-tolerant--heat tolerant--deer resistant--pest resistant

Sun Exposure

Full sun (6+ hrs.)--Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun)

Watering Needs

Low
Attribute Value
Bloom Season Late spring, early summer
Botanical Name Ferocactus gracilis
Common Name Fire barel cactus, Mexican fruit cactus
Dormancy Winter
Family Cactaceae
Flower Color Red
Genus Ferocactus
Growth Habit Globose
Growth Rate Fast
Hardiness Zone 9, 10, 11
Mature Size Up to 10 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide
Native Area Mexico
Plant Type Cactus
Propagation By seeds
Resistance Extremely drought-tolerant, heat tolerant, deer resistant, pest resistant
Soil PH 6.5, Acidic, Neutral
Soil Type Cactus potting mix soil
Special Features Easy to maintain
Sun Exposure Full sun (6+ hrs.), Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun)
Toxicity Mild Toxic for humans, mild toxic for pets (Keep away from children)
Watering Needs Low

Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features

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