![barrel cactus barrel cactus](https://i.pinimg.com/236x/15/03/67/1503678089e8fc5eb34474478f3c74d7.jpg)
Propagation and CareĪs long as the growth requirements of the Mother-in-law’s cushion cactus are met, the plant will thrive amazingly in the garden or indoors. To grow to a 10-inch (25 cm) diameter, it would take up to 10 years.
![barrel cactus barrel cactus](https://regenaxe.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/blue-barrel-cactus.jpg)
This cactus grows very quickly in the beginning but the growth rate will slow down. This type of soil is usually a mixture of 70% coarse materials like pumice and pebbles and 30% soil or organic materials (2). Watering this cactus is low-maintenance as a natural drought plant, it can tolerate a regular once a month schedule, or less during winter, as long as the soil is well-draining. It can grow indoors placed on a sunny windowsill where it can receive good ventilation too (1).
#Barrel cactus full
The plant needs a full sun exposure, almost like what it receives in its natural habitat to promote flowering and a vibrant appearance. The Golden Ball, like most cacti, is ornamentally collected mainly because of its remarkable appearance and the ease of growing that comes with it.
![barrel cactus barrel cactus](https://luxehome.com.pk/5294/large-barrel-cactus-2110-90.jpg)
Several laws in different states in the US and other places are implemented in the pursuit to protect the species (4). Up until today, it is considered a critically endangered flora species (3).Įfforts have been made to conserve this Echinocactus and now, only cultivated and propagated plants are available for ornamental use. Because of its popularity as an ornamental plant, the Golden Barrel cactus was over-collected from the wild and has also lost its habitat. This Echinocactus is endemic to Mexico and upon its discovery in the late 1880s, it has been distributed to different areas of North America, Europe, and other parts of the world. They eventually turn into brown pods filled with minuscule black seeds (2). In summer, flowers borne are yellow trumpet-like forming around the top of the stem like a dainty crown. grusonii can take up to 20-35 years to reach this size and not all plants, especially the cultivated ones, can peak. It is otherwise called Mother-in-law’s Cushion and Golden Ball which are also attributed to the appearance of the plant (1).įrom a rounded appearance, the plant elongates at maturity and grows up to 1m in height and 1m in width. They appear along the 21-37 symmetrical ribs of the plant which become more pronounced as the plant gets old. Scientifically known as Echinocactus grusonii or Kroenleinia grusonii, the Golden Barrel cactus was named after the stout cylinder-like shape of the green fleshy stem that is covered in 1-2in long yellow to golden sharp spines. If this design or just the thought of a striking potted golden globe of a plant appeals to you, the Golden Barrel cactus is exactly the one to consider. It displays a characteristic spiky golden globose shape that when installed en masse in a landscape, creates a whimsical appearance of giant sea urchins outside the ocean. Often confused as a member of the Ferocactus group of cacti, the Golden Barrel cactus is one of the most popular landscape plants for arid and desert regions.