Golden Barrel Cactus

Family

Cactaceae

Native

Argentina (Tucum n).

Description

The Echinocactus grusonii is a wonderful popular plant for adding texture, colour and shape to landscapes, it gives a huge dose of impact . Barrel Cacti are always found in either a cylindrical or barrel shape. They are covered in large, usually thick spiky quills that are 2 to 3 inches long. Unlike many Cactus, the "golden barrels" get more and more beautiful as they grow. It is fairly quick growing at first; then the growth rate slows right down. So you can expect to wait about 10 years for the cactus to reach 10 inches in diameter.

The golden barrel cacti will produce yellow flowers during mid-summer, although these are unlikely to appear indoors.. These flowers do not have any spines or thorns.

Environment

Like most cacti they're drought tolerant and need very little care and attention to grow well. Not enough sunlight and over-watering are common mistakes.

Plenty of sunshine will keep this cacti more than happy. In a glass room you may have to provide some shade during a hot summers day to prevent sunburn

Feed every 4 weeks with a high potassium fertilizer during summer

Landscape Uses

It is an excellent plant for garden rockery settings, desert type landscapes, patios and botanical gardens