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Genus Echinocactus

Echinocactus Echinocactus grusonii Photo/Illustration: Chris Curless
eh-kih-no-KAK-tus
The genus Echinocactus is comprised of 15 or so species of spiny, spherical cacti from scrubland in Mexico and the southwestern U.S. Mature plants flower in summer, showing off rings of bell-shaped yellow, red, pink, or magenta blooms that open during the day. Woolly fruit follows. Grow in a desert garden or warm greenhouse.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Round and heavily spined. Slow growers. Some are native to the southwestern U.S.
 Care: Grow in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Indoors, grow in full light and keep dry from early autumn through early spring.
 Propagation: Start seeds indoors in spring at 70°F.
 Problems: Young plants are often affected by basal stem rot, soft rot, and mealy bugs.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Echinocactus

Echinocactus grusonii Echinocactus grusonii
(Golden barrel cactus, Mother-in-law's cushion) (1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Golden barrel cactus has a rounded form that eventually elongates. Bright green stems bear 20 to 40 sharply angled ribs. Yellow areoles produce golden yellow spines. Bright yellow flowers appear in summer.