Echinocactus grusonii var. intermedius, commonly known as ‘Short Spine Golden Barrel’, is a remarkable succulent from the esteemed Cactaceae family. Its globe-like appearance is adorned with breathtaking colour, featuring striking vertical yellow ribs lining its edges. This signature cactus of the Southwest desert stands out with architectural beauty. Native to East-Central Mexico, this majestic cactus grows gradually, reaching up to 1 meter high over 20 years.
This cactus has pronounced ribs in mature plants, and younger plants bear a knobbly appearance with sharp long spines in various shades of yellow and occasionally white.
| Plant Common Name: | Short Spine Golden Barrel |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name: | Echinocactus grusonii var. intermediens |
| Plant Type: | Succulent |
| Plant Family: | Cactaceae |
| Max Height: | Up to 1 meter high (Over 20 Years) |
| Native To: | Guanajuato, Mexico |
Choose a sunny spot for your Short Spine Golden Barrel. When planting outdoors, select a location with total sun exposure. Place your cactus near a sunny window to provide sunlight if growing indoors.
Short Spine Golden Barrel prefer well-draining soils, such as sandy soils, to prevent waterlogged conditions leading to root rot.
Short Spine Golden Barrel require minimal watering. Water your outdoor cactus once a week during the summer and a few times throughout the winter. For indoor cacti, water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out.
These cacti thrive in warm conditions. Avoid placing them near air vents, humidifiers, or bathrooms, where humidity and temperatures vary.
If you notice roots protruding from the drainage holes or above the soil surface, it's time to repot. Carefully remove the plant from its current pot, wearing thick gloves. Gently shake off excess soil and repot the cactus into a larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil.
Echinocactus grusonii var. intermedius ‘Short Spine Golden Barrel’ will thrive with an application of an All-Purpose, Slow-Release fertilizer every 6 months.
