How to Grow and Care for Golden Barrel Cactus Indoors

The golden barrel cactus or golden ball (Echinocactus grusonii) is frequently cultivated as a houseplant. It rarely blooms indoors, but it may flower in the spring or summer if it is at least 15 years old and grown in ideal conditions.

It's called a barrel cactus because, as the name implies, they are almost perfectly round when juvenile, with evenly spaced rows of spines on their deeply ribbed lobes. As they grow, they may stretch out, becoming more oval than circular. This cactus can grow up to 6 feet tall when fully mature. They grow slowly, so small 3-inch indoor specimens will remain manageable for many years before getting large.

Can You Grow Golden Barrel Inside?

Golden barrel cactus can be grown indoors. They aren't difficult to grow as long as these plants have the brightest, sunniest location. Usually, southern-facing windows offer the strongest sun. These are true, extreme desert plants that cannot handle standing water. Plant them in very well-draining soil or potting mix.

They can produce flowers but usually won't start doing that until they are at least 6 inches wide, which can take about 15 years. Blooms get to about two to three inches wide and grow near the top of the barrel for about two to six weeks in the spring or summer. They usually do not bloom indoors since they require intense sunlight for flowering.

How to Grow Golden Barrel Cactus Indoors

The trick for growing a golden barrel cactus is to ensure it has full sun exposure during its growing season. It also needs a phosphorus-rich fertilizer given at least once monthly.

Withhold water for a few months before the growing season. A simulated drought mimics its natural growth cycle in the wild. To encourage blooms in the growing season, give it water once a week when grown inside. This plant needs well-draining soil since soggy soil leads to root rot, potentially killing the plant. It thrives in a pH range of 6.1 to 7.5. Use a cacti/succulent potting mix for best results.

Sunlight

A golden barrel cactus does best in a sunny window with southern exposure and at least six hours of bright sunlight. Plants that do not get enough sunlight will grow slowly and fail to thrive.

Temperature and Humidity

While the plant favors warm conditions, the cactus can tolerate temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It does best without humidity.

Watering

Golden barrel cactus are prone to root rot. From fall to spring, water infrequently (every month or two) and ensure that the soil drains completely. Do not leave any water in the tray or allow it to sit in water.

In winter, simulate drought conditions, giving no water. In early spring, gradually provide some water, increasing water to once per week in spring and summer, ensuring the water drains completely.

Air Circulation

Golden barrel cactus require air flow around the plant and low to no humidity. Ensure the plant is not in an airless zone. Air flow prevents golden barrel cactus from accumulating moisture.

Fertilizer

Feed these plants every four weeks with a phosphorus-rich or low-nitrogen fertilizer. For the amount to use, follow product label instructions.

Pruning and Maintenance

Golden barrel cactus rarely need pruning. If your cactus produces flowers, remove withered flowers and stems.

Pollination

The golden barrel cactus does not require cross-pollination; it can self-pollinate to produce its flowers and seeds. However, if it cross-pollinates with other golden barrel cactus, it tends to be a more prolific bloomer.

Container and Size

Golden barrel cactus grows best in smaller, shallower pots. Clay or unglazed terra-cotta pots are best for wicking water away from the plant.

Potting Soil and Drainage

When grown indoors, this plant needs dry, very well-drained soil. A fast-draining cactus soil mix is ideal. If you use a regular peat-based combination, add sand or extra perlite to enhance drainage. Repot the plant when the soil begins to break down. Encourage drainage by adding a few inches of gravel or small pebbles to the bottom of the pot. Ensure the pot has ample drainage holes.

Potting and Repotting Golden Barrel Cactus

It will need repotting when you notice roots starting to poke out of the drainage holes. When repotting, choose a new pot that is only an inch or so bigger than the old one. You should repot barrel cactus every few years.

It's best to repot the plant at the beginning of the growing season or in summer. To repot a cactus, ensure the soil is dry, then gently extract the plant from the pot while wearing thick leather gloves for safety. Knock away the old dirt from the roots, removing any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide.

Place the plant in its new pot and backfill it with a potting mix designed for cacti, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.

Moving Golden Barrel Cactus Outdoors for the Summer

Golden barrel cactus can be moved outdoors during the warm summer months.

Considerations

When night temperatures remain above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, it's safe to bring a golden barrel cactus outdoors. If planning to move the plant outdoors, slowly acclimate it to the outdoor temperature and sun exposure.

Move the plant outdoors to a partially sunny location for two hours. Slowly ramp up to an additional two hours each day, giving the plant a sunnier location each time.

However, if the forecast suggests prolonged rainy weather or storms that will cause the soil to get drenched and remain wet, bring the plant indoors during the wet weather.

When to Bring Golden Barrel Cactus Inside

When the temperature drops to 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night, gradually transition the plant to moving back indoors in two-hour increments each day. Place it in the sunniest window to get as much sun as possible.

From: thespruce