Scientific name: Echinocactus grusonii
Common name: Golden Barrel Cactus
The round cactus has many ribs, with each rib covered in long yellow or white. It grows quickly when it’s young, then slows as it ages. If you have a mature specimen, look for yellow flowers in the spring.
Quick Look at Echinocactus grusonii
- Full sun to partial shade
- Typical water needs for a succulent
- Plant grows up to 12″ (30.5 cm) tall
Plant grows up to 36″ (91 cm) wide - Zone 9a (Minimum 20° F | -6.7° C)
- Not cold hardy
- Propagation by seeds
- Can be toxic to humans and animals
- Winter Dormant
General Care for Echinocactus grusonii “Golden Barrel Cactus”
The Golden Barrel Cactus is a great addition to rock gardens. As it grows, it is cylindrical. It can be grown in the ground, in planters, or in large garden beds.
Watering
Echinocactus grusonii, also known as Golden Barrel Cactus, has typical watering needs. The “soak and dry” method will allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Where to Plant
If you live in a zone that gets colder than 20 F, it’s best to plant the Golden Barrel Cactus in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well during the Summer. In the Autum, be sure that the Golden Barrel Cactus gets less light.
You can plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day. If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, place a room that gets a lot of sunlight near a southern-facing window.
How to Propagate Echinocactus grusonii “Golden Barrel Cactus”
Echinocactus grusonii can be grown from seeds.
Seeds
To grow Golden Barrel Cactus, sow your seeds in a well-draining soil. If you live above 9a, you can grow Echinocactus grusonii seeds outdoors. If you live in a cooler area, you can sow indoors under a grow light or on a seed mat.
Commonly Mistaken For
Parodia leninghausii has a ball.
