The Golden Barrel Cactus / Echinocactus Grusonii Multi Head
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Echinocactus grusonii 'Multi Head' is a rare, clumping form of the Golden Barrel Cactus known for producing multiple heads or offsets, creating a striking cluster of golden spiny spheres.
Here's a detailed look at this fascinating cactus:
🌵 Overview of Echinocactus grusonii (Golden Barrel Cactus)
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Scientific Name: Echinocactus grusonii
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Common Names: Golden Barrel Cactus, Mother-in-law’s Cushion, Golden Ball
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Origin: Native to central Mexico, particularly the Rio Moctezuma Valley in Queretaro and Zacatecas.
🌟 Key Features
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Shape & Size: Typically globular, growing up to 1 meter (3 feet) tall and 60 cm (24 inches) wide. The multi-head form produces several heads, forming dense clumps that can span up to 6 feet across.
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Ribs & Spines: Prominent vertical ribs (30–50) lined with bright golden-yellow spines that give it its iconic look.
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Flowers: Mature plants bloom with bright yellow, diurnal flowers in late spring to summer, forming a ring at the top.
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Growth Habit: Slow-growing but long-lived. The multi-head variety develops offsets over time, creating a dramatic clustered appearance.
🌞 Habitat & Adaptations
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Altitude Range: Grows between 1,400 and 1,900 meters above sea level.
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Sun Orientation: Tends to lean south or southwest to shield its body from intense desert sun using its spines—so reliably that desert travelers have used it as a natural compass.
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Soil & Climate: Prefers well-draining, rocky or sandy soil. Thrives in arid conditions and full sun.
🌱 Cultivation Tips
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Light: Requires full sun for best growth and flowering.
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Watering: Minimal watering—allow soil to dry completely between waterings.
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Temperature: Hardy to around -9°C (15°F) but prefers warmer climates.
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Propagation: Mainly through offsets in the multi-head form; seeds are also viable but slow to germinate.
🪴 Landscape & Decorative Use
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Ornamental Value: Highly prized for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and desert-themed landscapes.
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Indoor Use: Can be grown in containers with proper drainage and sunlight.
Echinocactus Grusonii
Echinocactus grusonii is also known as Echino Cactus Multi Head Plant, Golden Barrel Cactus or Mother in Law's Cushion. Golden Barrel Cactus is Spherical, eventually elongating cactus with a bright green stem bearing 20-40 sharply angled ribs.
The cactus is usually solitary, but some species may produce offsets, resulting in a multi-headed appearance. The plant typically has prominent ribs, sharp spines, and can produce flowers at the crown under the right conditions.
Yellow areoles produce golden yellow spines. Bears bright yellow flowers, 4-6cm long, in summer. Height 60cm, Spread 80cm. Native to Central Mexico.Spherical, eventually elongating cactus with a bright green stem bearing 20-40 sharply angled ribs. Yellow areoles produce golden yellow spines.Echino Cactus Multi Head Plant bears bright yellow flowers, 4-6cm long, in summer. Height 60cm, Spread 80cm. Native to Central Mexico. Deliverable
- Healthy plant in its pot with premium soil
- All the tips and tricks for expert-level care
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