The golden barrel cactus plant (Echinocactus grusonii) is an attractive and cheerful specimen, rounded and growing to as much as 3 feet tall (1 m.) and 3 feet (1 m.) around– like a barrel, hence the name. Be careful, though, as it has long dangerous spines. As with many barrel cactus plants, the stiff yellow needles grow in clusters along ribs of the cactus.
Think carefully before locating the golden barrel in your yard, especially if you have children or pets. In that circumstance, use a container or find a safe spot, as punctures from the spines are painful and, in some cases, these punctures may require antibiotics. Conversely, you can choose to use the plant as part of your home security system, locating it under low windows as a defensive planting.
Plant it in a safe spot in the water-wise landscape or in a container. Don’t crowd it in; leave room for new offsets, called pups. These babies grow from a well established root base, sometimes in clusters. They may be removed for planting elsewhere or left to fill in the bed. This cactus may also expand by branching. Sources say it is most appealing when planted outdoors in groupings, as an accent, or even a focal point in the landscape. Sometimes, the golden barrel cactus grows happily in a large container.
While most say full sun is necessary, this plant does not like the hot southwestern sun during the hottest days of summer. When this cactus is planted, it situates itself to avoid this as best it can. Full sun from other directions is appropriate, though, and sometimes encourages pale yellow, bell-shaped blooms on top of the cactus.
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