Echinocactus grusonii (Golden Barrel Cactus) is a perennial cacti endemic to dry regions of Mexico. It makes an attractive indoor plant, is low maintenance and can be grown in containers. Almost extinct in the wild, this species is grown in botanical gardens around the world. Golden Barrel Cacti can live for around thirty years and will grow to a maximum height of 1 metre (3 feet). This species is suitable as an indoor or potted plant but will not grow as large in these circumstances. Growth Echinocactus grusonii is a well know species of cactus that is native to Mexico. Growing like a spherical dome, the plant is widely grown by nurseries and landscapers as an ornamental in designer gardens. The cacti produces sharp spines that are e long, straight and are often various shades of yellow or white. Small yellow flowers can appear in summer near the crown of the plant but only after around twenty years of age. Golden Barrel Cactus usually live for around 30 years. Echinocactus grusonii do best in well-drained and in consistent bright light. FAMILY: Cactaceae CLIMATE: Temperate, Mediterranean, Sub-Tropical, Tropical TEMPERATURE RANGE: -5 to 40°C / 23 to 104°F SOIL TYPE: Soil MUST be well draining. LOCATION: Full Sun or Indoors HEIGHT: Up to 1 metre (3 feet) WIDTH: Up to 50 cm (2 feet) pH: 6.0-7.0 GROWTH TYPE: Perennial WATER REQUIREMENTS: Light POLLINATION: Bees MATURITY: Up to 20 years GERMINATION RATES: 70-85% GERMINATION TIME: 1-3 weeks SEEDS PER GRAM: Approximately 500 MEDICINAL QUALITIES: No WEED POTENTIAL: No FACTS ABOUT ECHINOCACTUS GRUSONII (Golden Barrel Cactus) The Golden Barrel Cactus is also known as Mother-in-Law’s Cushion. The Golden Barrel Cactus is one of the more popular cacti in cultivation and is popular as an architectural plant in contemporary gardens. Up to 35 pronounced ribs can be found in mature plants but they are not observed in younger plants. The population of Golden Barrel Cacti in the wild was critically reduced in the 1990s by the creation of the Zimapán Dam in Mexico.
