How to Grow Barrel Cactus

Barrel cactus has several species that range from miniature to giant size. They grow naturally in the deserts between California and Texas and have beautiful flowers on the top to add to their characteristic barrel shape. In many areas, the barrel cactus grows with protected status.

Things You'll Need

• Container
• Cactus mix
• Coarse sand
• Garden soil
• Perlite

Instructions

1. Buy a Barrel Cactus or seeds from your local nursery, home and garden shop or Internet seed store. Choose a healthy plant that's sturdy and shapely. The miniature Barrel Cactus grows well in containers.

2. Pot in a small planter or container, for a larger species use a large container. Read the label for the correct size.

3. Use commercial cactus mix with perlite in a 1 to 1 ratio or mix coarse sand, garden soil and perlite.

4. Place the plant in a south window or atrium with sun to partial shade.

5. Water when the soil feels dry 1 inch below the surface.

6. Fertilize every 4 months with low nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season.

Tips & Warnings

• Know the type of Barrel Cactus you want because some grow high. The miniature Barrel Cactus (Thelocactus setispinus) grows up to 12 inches while the Ferocactus setispinus reaches 3 feet by 3 feet. In the desert, certain species grow up to 10 feet tall.

• The Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) lists as a nice starter cactus for beginners. The plant has yellow-gold spines with gold flowers.

• Wear gloves when handling or transplanting a cactus with spines. Some species have soft needles, others' are hard.

• Avoid humid rooms to grow the Barrel Cactus.

• To avoid root rot never let the plant sit in water. Maintain good drainage.