Scientific Name
Echinocactus platyacanthus Link & Otto
Common Name(s)
Giant Barrel Cactus, Giant Viznaga, Large Barrel Cactus
Synonym(s)
Echinocactus edulis, Echinocactus ingens, Echinocactus karwinskii, Echinocactus oligacanthus, Echinocactus platyceras var. minax, Melocactus ingens
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Echinocactus
Description
Echinocactus platyacanthus is a slow-growing barrel cactus with a heavily ribbed, usually solitary, green to glaucous stem with ribs lined with clusters of long stiff spines. It can live for over 100 years. The stem initially has 5 to 20, later up to 60 ribs, and grows up to 8.2 feet (2.5 m) tall and 5 feet (1.5 m) in diameter. The apex of the stem is flat and covered with a yellow felt-like substance. Spines are spreading, somewhat flattened, yellowish to reddish or brownish, becoming greyish or blackish with age. Each areole bears 3 to 10 straight, up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long radial and 3 to 4 somewhat curved, up to 4 inches (10 cm) long central spines.
The flowers are diurnal, vivid yellow, and funnel-shaped and appear in late spring and summer, sometimes in fall. They are up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long and 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter. The fruits are yellowish, oblong to club-shaped, up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long, and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
Origin
Echinocactus platyacanthus is native to Mexico. It occurs in semi-arid vegetation from Nuevo León to Oaxaca.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
These cacti do best in a sunny window, perhaps a southern exposure. Plants that do not get enough sunlight will grow more slowly and fail to thrive.
It is critical never to let these cacti be exposed to prolonged periods in water or even very high humidity. They will suffer from rot in the presence of humidity.
Echinocactus are vulnerable to pests, including aphids, mealybugs, scale, and whitefly. Identify the infestation as early as possible and treat it with the leave toxic option.
It is best to repot at the beginning of the growing season or summer. To repot a cactus, ensure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, removing any rotted or dead roots.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echinocactus.
Links
- Back to genus Echinocactus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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