Golden Barrel – Desert Horizon Nursery

Golden Barrel

Echinocactus grusonii

Water
Low water; let soil dry completely between deep waterings. Established plants benefit from occasional summer irrigation during prolonged dry heat. Keep nearly dry in winter.
Description
A sculptural barrel cactus with a ribbed green body, dense golden-yellow spines, and a woolly crown.
Bloom Time
Deciduous / Evergreen
Special Features
Growth Rate
Growth Habit
Flower Color
Non-toxic (sharp spines can injure)
Care Instructions

Light: Full sun to light shade; afternoon shade helps prevent scorching in Phoenix, especially for young or newly planted specimens. Acclimate gradually to direct sun.

Water: Low water; let soil dry completely between deep waterings. Established plants benefit from occasional summer irrigation during prolonged dry heat. Keep nearly dry in winter.

Soil: Very well-drained, gritty or gravelly soil. Use cactus mix with added mineral grit in containers; avoid water-retentive soils and low spots.

Mature size: Typically 2–3 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide; very old specimens may grow taller.

Bloom: Flowers in late spring through summer on mature plants, often after 15–20 years or longer.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen succulent cactus.

Growth rate: Slow.