Golden Barrel Cactus
('Echinocactus grusonii.')
Care Guide
Sunlight:
- Golden Barrel cacti thrive in bright, direct sunlight.
- Ideally, they need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- A south-facing window is usually a good spot for indoor plants.
Soil:
- Use a well-draining cactus/succulent potting mix.
- Avoid regular potting soil, as it retains too much moisture.
- You can create your own mix by combining equal parts of perlite, sand, and potting soil.
Watering Needs:
- Golden Barrel cacti are very drought-tolerant.
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- In the active growing season (spring and summer), you may need to water every 2-4 weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity.
- In the winter, when the cactus is dormant, water very sparingly or not at all.
- Overwatering is the most common cause of problems for Golden Barrel cacti.
Container or Garden:
- Golden Barrel cacti can be grown in containers or in the ground, depending on your climate.
- If planting in a container, choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
- In the garden, ensure the soil is well-drained and the location gets plenty of sunlight.
Fertilizing:
- Golden Barrel cacti don't need a lot of fertilizer.
- You can feed them with a diluted cactus fertilizer once or twice during the growing season (spring and summer).
- Avoid fertilizing in the fall and winter.
This plant may be mildly toxic if ingested, causing discomfort or irritation. Contact with sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Grown for ornamental use only and not intended for human or animal consumption.