Barrel Cactus

It’s best to give a Barrel Cactus a thorough soaking every few weeks in the growing season (spring to autumn). To do this, submerge the pot in a sink of water, so that the entire pot is submerged. Leave the pot until the soil is completely soaked. When the Barrel Cactus is dormant in winter, it should be watered much less. During this time, the soil should only be watered when it completely dries out.

Barrel Cactus will thrive in bright light but indirect sunlight. They love mid-day sun but can be damaged if exposed to intense afternoon sunlight, so either move your plant indoors or provide some shade. Generally, the more light your Barrel Cactus receives, the longer it will be before it needs to be repotted and water for the first time. If possible, place Barrel Cactus in an east or south-facing window to get more sun.

Barrel Cactus can tolerate a wide variety of temperature ranges from 4°C (39°F) to 32°C (90°F). The ideal temperature range during the day is 18°C (64°F) to 22°C (72°F). Higher temperatures during the day, such as 25°C (77°F), can be tolerated but should be avoided.

Barrel Cactus does not require high levels of humidity. Average room humidity is sufficient. However, it can also tolerate some additional humidity. If your Barrel Cactus is suffering from dry air, you can provide some extra humidity by misting its leaves regularly or placing a humidifier near it.

Barrel Cactus should be planted in a dry, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5–7.5. The soil should be composed of equal parts of coarse sand, perlite, and cactus mix. It’s important to use a well-draining soil to prevent root rot.

Barrel Cactus should not be fertilized during the winter, as the roots can become stagnant. During the warmer months (spring to autumn) you can feed the plant a weak mix of cactus fertilizer. Be sure not to over-fertilize your Barrel Cactus, as this can lead to plant burn. Always read and follow the instructions on the fertilizer for best results.

Barrel Cactus can be prone to pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. If you notice any of these, you should treat them immediately. To get rid of mealybugs, use a cotton swab or a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them. For spider mites, you can use a combination of insecticidal soap and essential oils. If you notice scale, you can use an insecticidal soap to remove them. If needed, apply neem oil or other insecticides to completely eradicate them.

Repotting your Barrel Cactus is necessary every two to three years or when the cactus has reached its maximum size. When repotting, make sure to use a well-draining soil and a pot that is not too large. Larger pots retain more moisture, leading to root rot.

To encourage growth, it’s important to occasionally prune your Barrel Cactus. This involves removing dead or discolored spines. It’s also important to prune off any side shoots that are growing off the main trunk. If left unpruned, these shoots can become too heavy and cause the cactus to lean over.

Mulching is not necessary for Barrel Cactus, as it can become too soggy and lead to root rot. However, mulch may be beneficial in extreme cases of soil erosion or if you are growing the cactus in a container.

Propagating Barrel Cactus is relatively easy. To do so, take a cutting from the top of the plant and allow it to dry for several days before planting it in a pot of well-draining soil. Do not water the cutting during this time. Once it is planted, water it lightly and make sure it gets some filtered light. It may take several weeks before you see any growth.

Barrel Cactus should not require extra support. However, if your plant starts to lean over from the weight of its fruits, you may need to provide a stake or trellis.

Barrel Cactus does not require a long rest period in winter, but it should be given a slight decrease in water during the winter months. This will help it to survive cold temperatures, as it can be susceptible to frost damage.

Barrel Cactus is not toxic to cats, dogs, or horses, according to the ASPCA. However, its spines can be irritating, so it is best to keep pets away from the plant.