Golden barrel cactus care: watering, light and repotting
Also called echinocactus, mother-in-law's cushion · Echinocactus grusonii · Cactaceae family
60 d in winter
How often to water the golden barrel cactus?
Allow about 14 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 60 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Full sun all year. Give the pot a quarter turn now and then so it stays round.
What light does it need?
The golden barrel cactus loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 4 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from May to July, feeding every 45 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 8–20 in (20–50 cm).
Common problems
Cactus leaning
Cause: Light from one side only. What to do: Turn the pot regularly.
Brown patches
Cause: Too much water or sunburn. What to do: Let it dry out; get it used to the sun gradually.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the golden barrel cactus?
About every 2 weeks in spring and summer, and every 2 months in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the golden barrel cactus?
The golden barrel cactus loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Should you mist the golden barrel cactus?
There's no need: indoor air suits it. Wetting its leaves for no reason can even encourage disease.
When should you repot the golden barrel cactus?
Every 4 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the golden barrel cactus safe?
No toxicity is known, but no veterinary source has confirmed it: to be safe, keep the plant out of reach of pets and young children.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the golden barrel cactus forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.