

So, if you want to use the seed method, it is best to buy them from a sustainable source.įirst, it helps to get some pots ready with a potting mix, and best started with wet soil. You can do it through the seed, but the flowers seldom appear indoors. Whether you have a barrel cactus or any other cacti, the best method to propagate is through seeds. So, in general, it gives a quirky appearance and is not displayed for its height. Still, even if the container is okay, it helps to provide fresh cactus soil yearly. The golden barrel cacti are slow growers and only need transplanting when the root becomes cramped. In spring, it helps to check your cactus soil after it wakes from its dormant period. Regarding humidity, your barrel cactus can thrive in a standard home. Neither will your cactus survive very high temperatures over 70☏. While your round shape cactus tolerates different temperatures, it is not frost resistant. To keep your plant happy, it helps to provide your golden barrel cacti with temperatures between 50☏ to 70☏.

The rule applies to young cacti and is best kept away from direct light and placed in indirect sunlight until mature. The poor cactus will scorch, leaving burns or patches on the flesh. But do not leave it standing in a sunny window if you are having a heatwave or there is intense light.
#Golden barrel cactus full#
These slow-growing plants need up to six hours of full sun per day. During the growing season, placing your plant in a sunny location will make it happy. Next on the list is light which is as essential as the soil. Light Requirements for Golden Barrel Cactus Lastly, if you plan on going on vacation, never leave your plant sitting in a saucer of water, as no water for a few weeks will not harm most cacti. The same applies in desert landscapes to encourage drainage.Īlternatively, you can invest in cactus soil, but getting your hands dirty and making one is always fun. In addition, it helps to provide your cactus with a gritty yet coarse blend of well-drained soil.Ī blend of potting mix with sand and some added stones is ideal to allow excess water to flow from the roots into the bottom saucer. So, having enough drainage holes with suitable soil is of importance. One significant threat for your barrel cacti is root rot that develops with poor drainage holes. Another important thing is to provide well-draining soil with warm conditions. Still, it also needs protection from the intense sun. We recommend a sunny window on the south side of the home. In short, the Echinocactus grusonii needs up to six hours of full sun to flourish. So, now that you have some background history on these house plants, let’s look at how you can care for the ball of fun. Nevertheless, the golden ball cactus can grow up to six feet tall but are slow growing, and indoors they remain manageable for years. If you can make it bloom, it happens during spring and summer. Still, it is not impossible if you mimic the growing conditions and it reaches about 15 years old. In its natural Mexican habitat and the Southwestern United States, it grows well you will need to care to help it adapt in your home or grow as an outdoor plant in the garden.įurthermore, in the arid desert regions, it blooms yellow flowers but seldom will flower indoors. If you have kids and pets growing the golden barrel cactus indoors, we recommend opting for a spineless version. Still, handle the cactus with care as those spines are sharp. But it grows yellow spikes all over it, giving it the golden barrel cactus. These cactus plants have an impressive globe shape in a deep green color. Some gardeners refer to it as the golden ball, but its fancy name is Echinocactus grusonii. While you rarely cultivate the golden barrel cacti in their native habitat, it grows well as a houseplant. So stay with us as we journey with this potted cactus in caring for it to thrive. Many gardeners refer to it as the mother-in-law’s cushion for a good reason. We recently introduced you to the fairy castle cactus, but today we will help you care for the golden barrel cactus.
