Growing the Golden Barrel Cactus

Virtues: We love golden barrel cacti for their plump, rounded form textured with sharp ribs that bear bright, yellow spines. These globular plants bloom in summer with vibrant yellow flowers.

Common name: Golden barrel cactus, mother-in-law’s cushion

Botanical name:Echinocactus grusonii

Flowers: Tiny clusters of yellow flowers blossom during summer, resting on the top of the the round plant.

Foliage: Golden barrel cacti have vivid green bodies heavily ribbed with an abundance of areoles that sprout stunning, golden-yellow spines.

Habit:Echinocactus grusonii have a striking, spherical habit, typically growing up to 3 feet in height with a similar spread.

Season: These exotic cacti are eye-catching through any season with their eccentric flair.

Origin:Echinocactus grusonii is native to central Mexico.

How to grow Echinocactus grusonii: Golden barrel cacti are easy-to-maintain desert plants that can do best where the soil is well drained. They thrive in full sun with low to moderate watering. If grown in a container, repot your cacti every other year during spring. Echinocactus grusonii are most successful in USDA Zones 9-11.

Image: H. Zell
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