Echinocactus grusonii is a cactus, up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall and about the same in diameter, with a single, slow-growing, globe-shaped stem that became barrel-shaped in maturity. The rate of growth slows down with the age, however, and it will take 15 or 20 years for the plant to add another 15-28cm (6-11 inch) to its girth. The stem is pale green and heavily ribbed with numerous areoles sprouting radial, yellow spines.
The flowers are yellow and up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. They appear in summer around the crown of the plant, but only after 20 years or so. Very young specimens are covered with tubercles (wart-like swellings). As Echinocactus grusonii grows, the tubercles gradually become lined up in vertical rows and less conspicuous.
- Learn more at Life Cycle of a Golden Barrel Cactus
How to Grow and Care
Golden Barrel Cactus 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 (25 cm) in diameter. Like most cacti, they are drought tolerant and need very little care and attention to grow well. Not enough sunlight and overwatering are common mistakes. When handling, it is best to use gloves to protect your hands from the prickly spines.
Soil: They are suited for any rich, well drained soil such as clay, pumice, lava grit and only a little addition of peat or leaf-mould.
Water: Water regularly during the summer growth cycle (this plant need plenty of water, but do not overwater and let their soil dry out between waterings). Avoid wetting the body of this plant while it is in sunlight. A wet cactus in the sun light can cause sun burning which can lead to scares or even fungal infections and death. Keep the Echinocactus grusonii rather dry in winter. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots.
Fertilising: Feed with a high potassium fertilizer in summer.
Hardiness:
Hardiness USDA zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
Origin:
Echinocactus grusonii is a well-known species of cactus, and is endemic to east-central Mexico.
Propagation: Potted Echinocactus grusonii can be propagated only from seed. Seedling can be raised easily. In their first few years they grow rapidly. Sow the tiny seed of Echinocactus grusonii in trays filled with equal parts of peat moss and coarse sand potting mixture. Place then the trays in filtered sun, cover with a glass sheet and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate in approximately 2 to 6 weeks. They will look like small spheres, red in colour, not green.
- Learn more at HOW TO GROW AND CARE Golden Barrel Cactus
The flowers are yellow and up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. They appear in summer around the crown of the plant, but only after 20 years or so. Very young specimens are covered with tubercles (wart-like swellings). As Echinocactus grusonii grows, the tubercles gradually become lined up in vertical rows and less conspicuous.
- Scientific Name: Echinocactus grusonii Hildm.
- Common Names:
Golden Barrel Cactus, Golden Barrel, Golden Ball Cactus, Golden Ball, Mother-in-Law's Cushion, Mother-in-Law's Seat - Synonyms:Echinocereus grusonii, Echinocactus corynacanthus, Echinocactus galeottii
- Family: Cactaceae
- Subfamily: Cactoideae
- Tribe: Cacteae
- Species: E. grusonii
- Genus: ECHINOCACTUS
- Learn more at Life Cycle of a Golden Barrel Cactus
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| source pic:pinterest.com |
How to Grow and Care
Golden Barrel Cactus 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 (25 cm) in diameter. Like most cacti, they are drought tolerant and need very little care and attention to grow well. Not enough sunlight and overwatering are common mistakes. When handling, it is best to use gloves to protect your hands from the prickly spines.
Soil: They are suited for any rich, well drained soil such as clay, pumice, lava grit and only a little addition of peat or leaf-mould.
Water: Water regularly during the summer growth cycle (this plant need plenty of water, but do not overwater and let their soil dry out between waterings). Avoid wetting the body of this plant while it is in sunlight. A wet cactus in the sun light can cause sun burning which can lead to scares or even fungal infections and death. Keep the Echinocactus grusonii rather dry in winter. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots.
Fertilising: Feed with a high potassium fertilizer in summer.
Hardiness:
Hardiness USDA zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
Origin:
Echinocactus grusonii is a well-known species of cactus, and is endemic to east-central Mexico.
Propagation: Potted Echinocactus grusonii can be propagated only from seed. Seedling can be raised easily. In their first few years they grow rapidly. Sow the tiny seed of Echinocactus grusonii in trays filled with equal parts of peat moss and coarse sand potting mixture. Place then the trays in filtered sun, cover with a glass sheet and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate in approximately 2 to 6 weeks. They will look like small spheres, red in colour, not green.
- Learn more at HOW TO GROW AND CARE Golden Barrel Cactus
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| source pic:pinterest.com |
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| source pic:pinterest.com |
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| source pic:pinterest.com |
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