Golden Barrel Cactus

Echinocactus grusonii is well-known species of cactus native to Central Mexico, San Luis Potosi and Hidalgo. Was known as the Golden Barrel Cactus, Golden Ball or funny, mother-in-law a pillow. This is a small family Echinocactus, which together with its general Ferocactus, are commonly referred to as barrel cactus.

Golden barrel cactus may be up to 35 ribs pronounced in mature plants, although they are not evident in young plants, which may look gnarly. The thorns are long shadows, straight or slightly curved, and various white yellow or occasionally. Widely grown in warmer climates in the world, it is considered easy to grow and relatively fast growth. Golden barrel cactus has also been used as plant architecture in garden design. Small yellow flowers appear in summer around the crown of the plant, but only after twenty years or so.

The Golden barrels tolerate more irrigation than other cactuses and consequently do not rot as easily, it can withstand frost lower than 25F (about 4C). They can grow up to be 2ft. (.66 Meters). It grows best in light shade fertilize every 2-3 months during growing season.

Outside of Mexico, golden barrel cactus individuals can be seen in the collections of desert plants in several botanical gardens.