Native to the arid regions of central Mexico, Echinocactus grusonii, known as the golden barrel cactus, is a very popular choice among plant enthusiasts; it is used a lot in high-end desert landscapes and rock gardens. The golden barrel cactus is a vibrant member of the Echinocactus genus and is also known as a mother-in-law's seat or golden ball cactus. Its distinctive round shape, resembling a barrel, gives it its common name.
The golden barrel cactus has a slow growth rate but can eventually reach an impressive size of around 3 feet in diameter, making it a striking focal point in any garden or indoor space. And it's not just tough on the outside; it has an impressive lifespan of 100 years if given optimal conditions.
The golden barrel cactus flower rarely blooms indoors, which can take up to 15 years, and produces vibrant orange or yellow flowers that bloom from the top of the cactus. These flowers are typically tubular and can attract pollinators such as bees and birds. The blooming period is usually in late spring or early summer, and the flowers can last for several weeks.
Since the early 20th century, the golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) has been popular for landscaping and has led to species reduction in its former native habitat of the Chihuahuan desert. Despite being found in nurseries and botanical gardens worldwide, it remains endangered in the wild due to illegal poaching.
At the top of the cylindrical cactus, they form a discreet ring of beautiful spines. Over time, these cacti can take on an oblong shape and tend to lean towards the south. This leaning helps the spines better protect the cactus body from the intense desert sun. It's nature's way of providing shade and ensuring the cactus stays healthy and protected.
When it comes to barrel cacti, there are indeed six main types of barrel cacti, each with its own unique characteristics. However, the golden barrel cactus stands out as the most popular choice for desert landscapes. Its striking golden spines and spherical shape make it a visually stunning addition to any arid garden or landscape. Not only does it add a touch of beauty, but it also thrives in the desert environment, making it a perfect choice for those looking to create an authentic desert oasis in their outdoor spaces.
Key Facts of Golden Barrel Cactus
- The golden barrel cactus can live for over a hundred years, with some reaching 150 years or more.
- This cactus gets its name from the golden-yellow spines that cover its spherical body.
- It can grow to be quite large, reaching heights of up to 3 feet and 2 feet wide.
- The golden barrel cactus is known for its ability to withstand extreme desert conditions, including high temperatures and drought.
- It produces vibrant yellow flowers that bloom in the summer after 15 years, adding a splash of color to its appearance.
- This cactus is a popular choice for desert landscapes, rock gardens, and xeriscaping because of its low maintenance requirements.
Watering Needs
Watering your barrel cactus in a new planting container is important, especially during its first season. These cacti need infrequent watering to keep the soil moist but not too wet. Make sure you check the soil before watering, as these cacti do not like to be waterlogged or soggy.
When the cactus is dormant in the winter, water it less, soaking it completely. Despite the right watering frequency, cactus roots can be damaged if the soil is not fast draining.
Light Requirements
If you're looking to grow a healthy and thriving round cactus plant, you'll need to provide it with plenty of bright light from full sun to partial shade. If you are growing your barrel cactus outdoors, make sure that it receives at least six hours of bright light per day. A potted indoor golden barrel cactus requires four hours of direct sunlight, which can be achieved by locating it on a sunny south- or west-facing windowsill.
If they don't receive enough sun exposure, their stems may grow leggy and become paler, and their spines will shorten, so make your Echinocactus grusonii happy and give it plenty of light.
Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs
Like many other cacti, golden barrel cactus plants can't avoid excess moisture and favor sandy, well-drained soil because these Echinocactus grusonii plants can promote root and stem rot. Planet Desert specializes in Cactus, and we Have a specialized cactus potting mix that will help your golden barrel cactus thrive. As an alternative, you can create your customized potting mix by combining equal portions of perlite, coarse sand, and potting soil.
Organic or 100% natural fertilizers (low nitrogen - high potassium fertilizer) are the best choice. They last longer and keep your soil alive by adding other beneficial compounds and microbes that encourage golden barrel cactus health and nutrient absorption. So, skip those harsh chemicals and give your Echinocactus grusonii some love with a good natural fertilizer!
Hardiness Zones & More
Golden barrel cactus is one of the hardiest cacti around and can tolerate temperatures down to 25° F. They can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 9-11 and can survive low winter temperatures for short periods as long as the soil is dry and the compost is not wet.
Echinocactus are fantastic plants for adding interest and excitement to the garden, and the golden barrel cactus is no exception - with her gorgeous yellow flowers that are sure to stand out! A well-drained potting mix with drainage holes in the potting container will help you maintain temperatures and prevent too much moisture.
In their native habitat, the Echinocactus grusonii needs adequate ventilation but not humidity or frost. So, avoid areas with extremely humid climates or low, "airless" areas of your home.
Propagating the golden barrel cactus can be done through stem cuttings or seeds. With some patience and care, you can nurture these seeds into new golden barrel cactus plants.
Overall, the golden barrel cactus is a stunning succulent with a round shape and pale green stem with golden-yellow spines. This cactus loves bright sunlight and well-draining soil, making it a perfect choice for rock gardens and desert landscapes. Just remember to handle your Echinocactus grusonii - golden barrel cactus plant - with care because those spines can be sharp!
| Bloom Season | Mid summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Echinocactus grusonii |
| Common Name | Golden barrel cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Genus | Echinocactus |
| Growth Habit | Flat-topped globe |
| Growth Habit | Globular |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 4 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide |
| Native Area | Eastcentral mexico |
| Native Area | Mexico |
| Plant Type | Perennial cactus |
| Propagation | By seeds, offsets |
| Resistance | 18° f |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, heat resistance, pest resistance, disease resistance |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | specialized cactus potting soil |
| Special Features | Unique appearance, showy flowers |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Mild toxic to humans, pets(Keep away from children) |
| Watering Needs | Low |
- Description
- Key Plant Features
Native to the arid regions of central Mexico, Echinocactus grusonii, known as the golden barrel cactus, is a very popular choice among plant enthusiasts; it is used a lot in high-end desert landscapes and rock gardens. The golden barrel cactus is a vibrant member of the Echinocactus genus and is also known as a mother-in-law's seat or golden ball cactus. Its distinctive round shape, resembling a barrel, gives it its common name.
The golden barrel cactus has a slow growth rate but can eventually reach an impressive size of around 3 feet in diameter, making it a striking focal point in any garden or indoor space. And it's not just tough on the outside; it has an impressive lifespan of 100 years if given optimal conditions.
The golden barrel cactus flower rarely blooms indoors, which can take up to 15 years, and produces vibrant orange or yellow flowers that bloom from the top of the cactus. These flowers are typically tubular and can attract pollinators such as bees and birds. The blooming period is usually in late spring or early summer, and the flowers can last for several weeks.
Since the early 20th century, the golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) has been popular for landscaping and has led to species reduction in its former native habitat of the Chihuahuan desert. Despite being found in nurseries and botanical gardens worldwide, it remains endangered in the wild due to illegal poaching.
At the top of the cylindrical cactus, they form a discreet ring of beautiful spines. Over time, these cacti can take on an oblong shape and tend to lean towards the south. This leaning helps the spines better protect the cactus body from the intense desert sun. It's nature's way of providing shade and ensuring the cactus stays healthy and protected.
When it comes to barrel cacti, there are indeed six main types of barrel cacti, each with its own unique characteristics. However, the golden barrel cactus stands out as the most popular choice for desert landscapes. Its striking golden spines and spherical shape make it a visually stunning addition to any arid garden or landscape. Not only does it add a touch of beauty, but it also thrives in the desert environment, making it a perfect choice for those looking to create an authentic desert oasis in their outdoor spaces.
Key Facts of Golden Barrel Cactus
- The golden barrel cactus can live for over a hundred years, with some reaching 150 years or more.
- This cactus gets its name from the golden-yellow spines that cover its spherical body.
- It can grow to be quite large, reaching heights of up to 3 feet and 2 feet wide.
- The golden barrel cactus is known for its ability to withstand extreme desert conditions, including high temperatures and drought.
- It produces vibrant yellow flowers that bloom in the summer after 15 years, adding a splash of color to its appearance.
- This cactus is a popular choice for desert landscapes, rock gardens, and xeriscaping because of its low maintenance requirements.
Watering Needs
Watering your barrel cactus in a new planting container is important, especially during its first season. These cacti need infrequent watering to keep the soil moist but not too wet. Make sure you check the soil before watering, as these cacti do not like to be waterlogged or soggy.
When the cactus is dormant in the winter, water it less, soaking it completely. Despite the right watering frequency, cactus roots can be damaged if the soil is not fast draining.
Light Requirements
If you're looking to grow a healthy and thriving round cactus plant, you'll need to provide it with plenty of bright light from full sun to partial shade. If you are growing your barrel cactus outdoors, make sure that it receives at least six hours of bright light per day. A potted indoor golden barrel cactus requires four hours of direct sunlight, which can be achieved by locating it on a sunny south- or west-facing windowsill.
If they don't receive enough sun exposure, their stems may grow leggy and become paler, and their spines will shorten, so make your Echinocactus grusonii happy and give it plenty of light.
Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs
Like many other cacti, golden barrel cactus plants can't avoid excess moisture and favor sandy, well-drained soil because these Echinocactus grusonii plants can promote root and stem rot. Planet Desert specializes in Cactus, and we Have a specialized cactus potting mix that will help your golden barrel cactus thrive. As an alternative, you can create your customized potting mix by combining equal portions of perlite, coarse sand, and potting soil.
Organic or 100% natural fertilizers (low nitrogen - high potassium fertilizer) are the best choice. They last longer and keep your soil alive by adding other beneficial compounds and microbes that encourage golden barrel cactus health and nutrient absorption. So, skip those harsh chemicals and give your Echinocactus grusonii some love with a good natural fertilizer!
Hardiness Zones & More
Golden barrel cactus is one of the hardiest cacti around and can tolerate temperatures down to 25° F. They can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 9-11 and can survive low winter temperatures for short periods as long as the soil is dry and the compost is not wet.
Echinocactus are fantastic plants for adding interest and excitement to the garden, and the golden barrel cactus is no exception - with her gorgeous yellow flowers that are sure to stand out! A well-drained potting mix with drainage holes in the potting container will help you maintain temperatures and prevent too much moisture.
In their native habitat, the Echinocactus grusonii needs adequate ventilation but not humidity or frost. So, avoid areas with extremely humid climates or low, "airless" areas of your home.
Propagating the golden barrel cactus can be done through stem cuttings or seeds. With some patience and care, you can nurture these seeds into new golden barrel cactus plants.
Overall, the golden barrel cactus is a stunning succulent with a round shape and pale green stem with golden-yellow spines. This cactus loves bright sunlight and well-draining soil, making it a perfect choice for rock gardens and desert landscapes. Just remember to handle your Echinocactus grusonii - golden barrel cactus plant - with care because those spines can be sharp!
| Bloom Season | Mid summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Echinocactus grusonii |
| Common Name | Golden barrel cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Genus | Echinocactus |
| Growth Habit | Flat-topped globe |
| Growth Habit | Globular |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 4 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide |
| Native Area | Eastcentral mexico |
| Native Area | Mexico |
| Plant Type | Perennial cactus |
| Propagation | By seeds, offsets |
| Resistance | 18° f |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, heat resistance, pest resistance, disease resistance |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | specialized cactus potting soil |
| Special Features | Unique appearance, showy flowers |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Mild toxic to humans, pets(Keep away from children) |
| Watering Needs | Low |
You may also like
Customers' photos
