Scientific Name
Echinocactus grusonii Hildm.
Common Name(s)
Golden Barrel Cactus, Golden Barrel, Golden Ball Cactus, Golden Ball, Mother-in-Law's Cushion, Mother-in-Law's Seat
Synonym(s)
Echinocereus grusonii, Ferocactus grusonii, Kroenleinia grusonii
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Echinocactus
Etymology
The specific epithet "grusonii" (pronounced "groo-SON-ee-eye") honors Hermann Gruson (1821-1895), a German industrialist and cactus collector.
Origin
Echinocereus grusonii is endemic to east-central Mexico.
Description
Echinocactus grusonii, also known as Kroenleinia grusonii, is a slow-growing cactus with a spherical, usually solitary stem that becomes barrel-shaped with age. The stem is pale green and heavily ribbed with numerous areoles sprouting sharp radial spines. It can grow up to 3.3 feet (1 m) in height and diameter. The spines are long, straight or slightly curved, in various shades of yellow or occasionally white.
The flowers are diurnal and yellow and appear in a ring at the top of the stem in summer, but only on mature specimens (after 20 years or so) receiving enough full sun. They can reach a diameter of up to 2 inches (5 cm).
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Golden Barrel Cactus grows fairly quickly initially, and then the growth rate slows. So, you can expect to wait about ten years for the cactus to reach 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter. Like most cacti, it is drought-tolerant and needs little care and attention to grow well. Not enough sunlight and overwatering are common mistakes. When handling, use gloves to protect your hands from prickly spines.
When it is young and growing, it is best to repot your Golden Barrel Cactus once a year in a slightly bigger container during spring. Once they mature, repot maybe every 2 to 3 years or when necessary.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echinocactus.
You can sow Golden Barrel Cactus seeds outdoors in warm climates, but sowing them indoors is easier and will result in a higher germination rate. Expect the seeds to germinate in one to two months.
Learn more at How to Grow Golden Barrel Cactus from Seed.
Links
- Back to genus Echinocactus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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