Echinocactus grusonii

Golden Barrel Cactus

Accent

This globular cactus has golden spines. It may spawn offshoots, making a clump, as shown here. It grows slowly up to four feet wide. Also called Mother-in-Law's cushion.

Temperature

Hardy to 10F.

Water requirements

Occasional.

Sun

Full sun to part or filtered shade.

Soil

Tolerant. Good drainage.

Maintenance

Little to none.

Disadvantages

Spines. Grows slowly. Young plants are prone to mealy bug and red spider mite.

Bloom

Yellow flowers in summer are almost invisible under the spines. They are produced only on mature specimens receiving enough full sun.

Fruit or Seeds

Follows bloom. Must be fully ripe before harvesting seeds for propagation.

Uses

Container plant. Looks great massed, especially when plants are of different sizes.

Origin

Native to Chihuahuan Desert of Central Mexico. Very few remain in the wild as its native habitat was flooded after construction of a dam. Fortunately, conservationists rescued many from the area before it was flooded. Member of the Cactaceae family.

Themes

Desert Grassland, Desert, Desert Transitional, Informal, Formal.

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