
CategoryCactus
GenusEchinocactus
FamilyCactaceae
Natural originNorth-central Mexico, especially the states of Querétaro and Zacatecas, the Río Moctezuma valley and the area around the Zimapán reservoir.
Acquired fromEbay (kingkaktus)
In the collection sinceJul 15, 2025
Kept inBalkon
Natural habitatIts natural habitat consists of dry, sunny, steep slopes and volcanic rock, at approximately 1,400–1,900 m above sea level. It is adapted to dry shrubland. Wild populations have declined substantially, and part of its habitat was affected by the creation of the Zimapán reservoir.
About the species
Echinocactus grusonii (Hildm.) Lodé
- Common name
- Golden barrel cactus
- Native distribution
- Mexico (Querétaro), Mexico Northeast, Brazil
Care summary
Golden barrel cactus
In the grower’s words
Echinocactus grusonii, commonly known as the golden barrel cactus, is globular when young and develops a short, cylindrical form with age. Its light- to dark-green stem has strong, prominent ribs. The areoles bear closely spaced, stout, golden-yellow spines, while the crown may be covered with yellowish wool. Mature plants can grow over one metre tall. Yellow flowers appear near the crown, usually only after the plant has reached maturity.
In chronological order
Growth photos
Magic tools
The plant’s story
Conversation

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