Common Names:
Golden Barrel Cactus, Mother-in-Law’s Cushion
Family:
Cactaceae
The Golden Barrel Cactus is one of the most iconic and easily recognizable cacti in the world, widely prized for its symmetrical, globe-like shape and striking golden spines.
Size:
Typically grows into a rounded ball shape, reaching up to 90 cm (3 feet) in height and 60 cm (2 feet) in diameter when mature. Some very old specimens can grow even larger.
Ribs:
The body is prominently ribbed with 20–40 pronounced ribs running vertically along its surface.
Spines:
Thick, stiff, and straight spines cover the ribs, ranging in color from yellow to golden (hence the name). Younger spines are brighter yellow, while older ones often fade to a pale yellow or straw color.
Color:
The cactus body itself is usually a bright green with a slightly glossy finish.
Blooming:
Mature plants (often 20+ years old in cultivation) produce small, yellow, funnel-shaped flowers at the crown, typically in spring to early summer.
Location:
Flowers appear only at the very top, around the woolly apex (the fuzzy center at the top of the cactus).
Pollination:
They’re usually pollinated by bees and other desert insects.
Light:
Thrives in full sun. Needs at least 6+ hours of direct light per day for best color and shape.
Soil:
Prefers well-draining cactus or succulent soil. Poor drainage can easily cause root rot.
Watering:
Very drought-tolerant. Requires deep but infrequent watering during growing season (spring/summer). Allow soil to fully dry between waterings. Reduce watering drastically in winter.
Temperature:
Tolerates high heat but is not frost-hardy. Needs protection below -6°C (20°F).
Landscaping:
A favorite in rock gardens, desert landscapes, and xeriscaping. Often planted in clusters for dramatic visual effect.
Container Growth:
Popular for pots and containers, especially when young.
Architectural Value:
Its near-perfect sphere and radiating spines make it an excellent sculptural focal point in gardens.
Origin:
Native to central Mexico, especially the states of Hidalgo and Querétaro.
Conservation Status:
Listed as Endangered in the wild due to habitat loss, but widely cultivated globally in nurseries and gardens.
Handling:
Be careful! The spines are sharp and rigid—use thick gloves when repotting or handling.
Longevity:
Can live for decades (50–100+ years) with proper care.
The Golden Barrel Cactus is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, sun-loving cactus, perfect for dry gardens and modern landscapes. Its sculptural form, striking golden spines, and slow growth rate make it a prized specimen for both novice and experienced cactus growers.
Common Names:
Golden Barrel Cactus, Mother-in-Law’s Cushion
Family:
Cactaceae
The Golden Barrel Cactus is one of the most iconic and easily recognizable cacti in the world, widely prized for its symmetrical, globe-like shape and striking golden spines.
Size:
Typically grows into a rounded ball shape, reaching up to 90 cm (3 feet) in height and 60 cm (2 feet) in diameter when mature. Some very old specimens can grow even larger.
Ribs:
The body is prominently ribbed with 20–40 pronounced ribs running vertically along its surface.
Spines:
Thick, stiff, and straight spines cover the ribs, ranging in color from yellow to golden (hence the name). Younger spines are brighter yellow, while older ones often fade to a pale yellow or straw color.
Color:
The cactus body itself is usually a bright green with a slightly glossy finish.
Blooming:
Mature plants (often 20+ years old in cultivation) produce small, yellow, funnel-shaped flowers at the crown, typically in spring to early summer.
Location:
Flowers appear only at the very top, around the woolly apex (the fuzzy center at the top of the cactus).
Pollination:
They’re usually pollinated by bees and other desert insects.
Light:
Thrives in full sun. Needs at least 6+ hours of direct light per day for best color and shape.
Soil:
Prefers well-draining cactus or succulent soil. Poor drainage can easily cause root rot.
Watering:
Very drought-tolerant. Requires deep but infrequent watering during growing season (spring/summer). Allow soil to fully dry between waterings. Reduce watering drastically in winter.
Temperature:
Tolerates high heat but is not frost-hardy. Needs protection below -6°C (20°F).
Landscaping:
A favorite in rock gardens, desert landscapes, and xeriscaping. Often planted in clusters for dramatic visual effect.
Container Growth:
Popular for pots and containers, especially when young.
Architectural Value:
Its near-perfect sphere and radiating spines make it an excellent sculptural focal point in gardens.
Origin:
Native to central Mexico, especially the states of Hidalgo and Querétaro.
Conservation Status:
Listed as Endangered in the wild due to habitat loss, but widely cultivated globally in nurseries and gardens.
Handling:
Be careful! The spines are sharp and rigid—use thick gloves when repotting or handling.
Longevity:
Can live for decades (50–100+ years) with proper care.
The Golden Barrel Cactus is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, sun-loving cactus, perfect for dry gardens and modern landscapes. Its sculptural form, striking golden spines, and slow growth rate make it a prized specimen for both novice and experienced cactus growers.
