Echinocactus
Barrel cactus
The Barrel cactus has a spherical shape that can grow to 3 ft in diameter within 5 years. It is a favorite among collectors because of the large size.
Most Popular Types
Yellow Barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) is the most popular type of Echinocactus.
Light
Full sun
Temperatures
Minimum temperature is 20°F.
Watering
Water when soil is completely dry.
Toxicity
The sap in the ribs of the barrel cactus can irritate the skin, however, what you really need to avoid are the spines. As with all cacti, you should seek medical attention if a cut from a spine leads to infection.
Growth
Grows to 3 ft round, after 20 years it will produce small yellow flowers around crown. It is one of the largest cacti species in the world, sometimes growing to 6 ft round. It is not likely to produce offsets.
Origin
East Central Mexico
Propagation
Seeds
Dormancy
Winter dormant