Echinocactus grusonii

Golden Barrel Cactus

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Taxonomy

Common Names

Golden Barrel CactusMother-in-law's Cushion

Context

nativeRegion

Central Mexico (Hidalgo, Coahuila, Zacatecas, San Luis Potosí).

usdaZones

9–11

companionPlants

Ferocactus, Mammillaria, Agave, Opuntia

culturalUses

Grown mainly as an ornamental plant in dry gardens and containers; popular in botanical collections; sometimes used in xeriscaping.

Care

LightFull sun; thrives in bright, direct sunlight for most of the day.

WateringLow; allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Water sparingly, especially in winter.

SoilWell-draining cactus or succulent mix, preferably sandy or gritty.

FertilizerFeed sparingly with diluted cactus fertilizer during growing season (spring and summer). Avoid over-fertilizing.

HumidityLow humidity preferred; keep environment dry.

TemperaturePrefers warm temperatures (21–30°C / 70–86°F); protect from frost (minimum 5°C / 41°F).

HabitSpherical, ribbed, spiny cactus; solitary or forms small clumps when mature.

Mature SizeUp to 90–100 cm (35–39 in) in diameter; slow-growing.

Growth RateVery slow-growing; can take decades to reach full size.

BloomingBright yellow flowers appear in summer on mature specimens (usually >20 years old).

DormancyGoes dormant in winter; greatly reduced growth and water needs.

MethodsSeed, Basal offsets (rarely)

DifficultyModerate

Best SeasonSpring or early summer

PruningNo major pruning required; remove dead or damaged spines carefully.

RepottingEvery 2–3 years, or when root-bound. Use gloves due to spines.

Pests & DiseasesSusceptible to mealybugs, scale, root rot (due to overwatering), and fungal infections.

ToxicityNon-toxic to humans and pets, but spines can cause injury.

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