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Plant Profiles / Golden barrel cactus
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Golden barrel cactus
Kroenleinia grusonii (formerly Echinocactus grusonii) · Mother-in-law's cushion, golden ball
A perfectly round cactus covered in bright golden spines that glow in the sun. A sculptural centrepiece for sunny pots and gravel gardens.
Full sunLight
Every 2–4 weeksWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
At least 6 hours of direct sun. Acclimatise gradually to avoid sunburn.
Water
Every 2–4 weeks
DryWet
Water deeply only when the soil is completely dry. Barely water in winter.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Prefers dry air.
Temperature
5–40°C (41–104°F)
CoolWarm
Protect from frost and winter wet.
Growth
Slow, globular
SlowFast
Grows to 60 cm wide over many years.
Soil
Cactus mix
LeanRich
Gritty, fast-draining cactus mix.
Fertiliser
Twice a year
RarelyOften
Diluted cactus fertiliser in spring and summer.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic, but the spines can injure pets.
About this plant
Golden barrels come from central Mexico, where they are now rare in the wild, though very common in cultivation. They grow slowly into large globes and can live for decades. Mature plants produce a crown of yellow flowers in summer.
Best spots
Sunny balconies, rooftops, gravel gardens, wide shallow pots and very bright windowsills.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Kroenleinia grusonii (formerly Echinocactus grusonii) |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Origin | Central Mexico |
| Plant type | Globular cactus |
| Mature size | Up to 60 cm wide |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Spines | Golden yellow, stiff |
| Flowers | Yellow crown flowers on mature plants |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic; spines injure |
| Propagation | Seed |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Active growth
Flowering
Fertilise
Keep dry
Active growthFloweringFertiliseKeep dry
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Soft, brown base | Rot from overwatering or poor drainage. |
| Bleached or yellow patches | Sunburn from a sudden move into sun. |
| Pale, elongated growth | Not enough light. |
| White cottony spots | Mealybugs. Dab with alcohol. |
| Leaning | Uneven light; rotate the pot. |
Common questions
How do I handle it?
Use thick gloves or wrap it in folded newspaper.
How fast does it grow?
Slowly, a few centimetres a year.
Will it flower?
Usually only when it's over 30 cm wide.
Can it live indoors?
Only in a very sunny spot.
