Ferocactus cylindraceus

Barrel Cactus

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Common Name: 

Barrel Cactus

Flower color: 

Sun (From 0 to 5): 

Water (From 0 to 5): 

Maximum temperature: 

40°C

Minimum temperature: 

10°C

Maximum height: 

365 cm

Maximum width: 

45 cm

Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus) - Description

F. cylindraceus is native to Southern California, Nevada, Arizona, and Baja California. It bears yellow to orange, bell-shaped flowers, that are 3 inches across and bloom from midspring into summer.

Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus) - Blooming

Barrel cacti bloom later than most other cacti.

Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus) - Growth

They are desert dwellers and can cope with some frost and intense heat. In cultivation they require full sun, and little water but good drainage. Does well in low humidity. Miniature varieties do well in containers if put in a south window. Full sun leads to better spination.

Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus) - Planting

Sow seeds in spring at 50-68°F (10-20°C).

Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus) - Pest

Mealybugs. Ferocactus are also susceptible to cactus virus X and fungal rots.

Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus) - Interesting facts

Tipped over barrel cacti are not due to being top-heavy with water, but from their habit of growing towards the sun. Getting water from a wild Ferocactus is a lot more difficult than legends suggest, and usually illegal as wild plants are protected by state laws.

Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus) - Soil and irrigation

A desert native, this cactus requires no irrigation. Try to keep dry in winter, or at least protect from heavy rains (especially the root zone). Ferocactus does best in poor soil that is fast-draining. In containers, use a cactus soil mix with perlite.

Ferocactus cylindraceus - Barrel Cactus - Photos