Q&A for How to Grow Golden Barrel Cactus

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Question

How does a barrel cactus survive in the desert?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

The barrel cactus is adapted to desert conditions including little water, extreme heat, cold nights, sandy soil, etc. It stores water in its cells and grows very slowly.

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Question

How much cold can the golden barrel cactus take?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

During the growth period, keep the temperature between 61-75°F. During the resting period, keep the temperature between 39-50°F. If you live in a cold area that freezes in the winter, plant your cactus indoors or bring it indoors during cold seasons

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Question

How can I remove a cluster of cacti from an older/mature plant so that I can transplant them?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

Dig up the cluster you want to remove with a small shovel or your hands (wear appropriate gloves to avoid getting poked with the spines). If the older cactus comes with the younger cluster, just place it back in the whole. Gently untangle young plant's roots from the older mature plant's roots. Transplant in desired spot or pot.

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Question

How can I create a golden barrel cluster?

Community Answer

Echinocactus grusonii, or the Golden Barrel cactus, does not "pup" as some other species do. To grow a cluster, plant several of these cacti close together. They will push each other around, tilt each other's spines, in short, they will respond to their neighbor's intrusion. Do keep in mind these cacti can grow up to three feet in diameter, so they get rather large.

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Question

How can I get rid of the leaf or plant growing near my cactus?

Community Answer

Very carefully. The cactus needles are treacherous. Wear thick leather welding gloves on your hands and a small pick or spoon to dig out the roots of the invading weeds or plants.

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Question

My golden barrel cactus has grown a baby right on top; can this be divided into a new plant or should I just leave it alone?

Community Answer

Yes, you can propagate the new "baby" bud using the same method as any other cactus.

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Question

Will my barrel cactus grow any new barrel cactus as it gets older?

Community Answer

No. Only seed pods, after flowering. Flowering usually occurs after the cactus reaches 10-12 inches in diameter.

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Question

Can I water a barrel-type cactus from the bottom of the pot?

Community Answer

If the roots reach the bottom of the pot, then yes, you can.

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Question

Should I remove spent flowers (seed pods)?

Community Answer

If you plan on growing a new cactus, then remove the seeds and plant them. Just follow the guidelines in this article on how to grow one.

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