How to care for and propagate Echinocactus grusonii Golden Barrel Cactus

Echinocactus grusonii Golden Barrel care and propagation information

Echinocactus grusonii

Golden Barrel Cactus

Posted by: Cassidy Tuttle | Updated: May 11, 2023

This round cactus has many ribs (up to 35 at maturity), with each rib covered in long yellow or white spines. It grows quickly when young, then slows as it ages. If you have a mature specimen, watch for yellow flowers in the Spring.

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Quick Look:

Full sun to partial shade
Typical water needs for a succulent
Plant grows up to 12″ (30.5 cm) tall
Plant grows up to 36″ (91 cm) wide
Zone 9a (Minimum 20° F | -6.7° C)
Not cold hardy
Propagation by seeds
Can be toxic to humans and animals
Winter Dormant

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Care and Propagation Information

General Care for Echinocactus grusonii “Golden Barrel Cactus”

Echinocactus grusonii “Golden Barrel Cactus” is a great addition to rock gardens. As it grows, it becomes cylindrical. It can be grown in the ground, in planters, or large succulent garden beds.

Watering

Echinocactus grusonii “Golden Barrel Cactus” has typical watering needs for a succulent. It's best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Where to Plant

“Golden Barrel Cactus” is not cold hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 20° F (-6.7° C), it's best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun during the Summer. In the Autum, be sure that “Golden Barrel Cactus” gets less light.

Plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day. If planting indoors, place in a room that gets a lot of sunlight, such as near a southern-facing window (if you're in the Northern Hemisphere).

How to Propagate Echinocactus grusonii “Golden Barrel Cactus”

Echinocactus grusonii “Golden Barrel Cactus” can be propagated from seeds.

Seeds

To grow “Golden Barrel Cactus” from seeds, sow your seeds in a well-draining soil. You can grow Echinocactus grusonii seeds outdoors if you live in an zone above 9a. If you live in a cooler area, you can begin sowing indoors under a grow light or on a seed mat.

Commonly Mistaken For

Parodia leninghausii “Golden Ball”