Arizona barrel cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni) is commonly known as fish hook barrel cactus, an appropriate moniker due to the formidable hook-like spines that cover the cactus. This impressive cactus is also known as compass barrel or candy barrel. Native to deserts of the American southwest and Mexico, Arizona barrel cactus is suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 12. Read on and learn how to grow an Arizona barrel cactus.
Arizona Barrel Cactus Information
Fishhook cactus displays thick, leathery, green skin with prominent ridges. Cup-shaped yellow or red flowers with reddish centers appear in a ring around the top of the cactus in spring or late summer, followed by yellow, pineapple-like berries. Arizona barrel cactus commonly lives 50 years, and in some cases, may survive for up to 130 years. The cactus often leans towards the southwest, and older cacti may eventually fall over if not supported. Although Arizona barrel cactus can reach heights of more than 10 feet (3 m.), it generally tops out at 4 to 6 feet (1-2 m.) tall. Due to the high demand for authentic desert landscaping, this beautiful and unique cactus is often rustled, illegally removed from its natural home.
How to Grow an Arizona Barrel Cactus
Growing Arizona barrel cactus isn’t difficult if you can provide plenty of bright sunlight and gritty, well-drained soil. Similarly, caring for Arizona barrel cacti is uninvolved. Here are a few barrel cactus care tips to get you started: Purchase Arizona barrel cactus only at a reliable nursery. Beware of questionable sources, as the plant is often sold on the black market. Plant Arizona barrel cactus in early spring. Don’t be concerned if the roots are a little dry and shriveled; this is normal. Before planting, amend the soil with generous amounts of pumice, sand, or compost. Water well after planting. Thereafter, Arizona barrel cactus needs supplemental irrigation only occasionally during extremely hot, dry weather. Although is grows in non-freezing climates, this barrel cactus is somewhat drought tolerant. Surround the cactus with a mulch of fine pebbles or gravel. Withhold water completely during the winter months; Arizona barrel cactus needs a dormant period. Arizona barrel cactus requires no fertilizer.
-
How To Make Plantable Seed Greeting Cards: Share The Joy Of Growing This Holiday SeasonGet creative making holiday cards using plantable seed paper, and give the memorable gift of growing flowers that will delight recipients for months on end.
-
Want To Grow Four Season Containers? Try These 6 Best Plants For Pots All Year RoundAfter reliable container gardening options that serve you across all four seasons? You’ve come to the right place, as we present the best plants for pots all year round
-
Barrel Cactus Propagation – How To Propagate Barrel Cacti From PupsIs your barrel cactus sprouting babies? Barrel cactus pups often develop on the mature plant. Many leave them and let them grow, creating a globular design in the container or in the ground. But you can propagate these for new plants too. Learn how in this article.
-
Compass Barrel Cactus Facts – Information About California Barrel Cactus PlantsThere are a few different plants that go by the name “barrel cactus,” but Ferocactus cylindraceus, or California barrel cactus, is a particularly beautiful species with long spines. Learn more California barrel cactus information in this article.
-
Blue Barrel Cactus Care – Growing Blue Barrel Cactus PlantsThe blue barrel cactus is an attractive plant with its perfectly-round shape, bluish color, and pretty, spring flowers. If you live in a desert climate, grow this outdoors. If you are in a colder climate, blue barrel cactus care in an indoor container is simple. Lean more here.
-
Ferocactus Chrysacanthus Info: How To Grow Ferocactus Chrysacanthus CactiEven if you don’t live in the desert, cactus can be grown indoors as well in most any climate. Interested in learning how to grow Ferocactus chrysacanthus? The following article on Ferocactus chrysacanthus info discusses growing and care of this cactus.
-
Golden Barrel Care Guide – Learn About Golden Barrel CactiThe golden barrel cactus plant is an attractive and cheerful specimen, rounded and growing to as much as three feet tall and three feet around much like a barrel, hence the name. Be careful, though, as it has long dangerous spines. Learn about growing this cactus here.
-
Emory Cactus Care – How To Grow An Emory’s Barrel CactusFerocactus emoryi are robust cacti perfect for drought-prone gardens and dry landscapes. Commonly referred to as Emory’s barrel cactus, these cylindrical spiny plants are an interesting choice for containers and addition to desert rock gardens. Learn more here.
-
Ferocactus Plant Info – Growing Different Types Of Barrel CactiA wide range of barrel cactus varieties are found in the gravelly slopes and canyons of the Southwestern United States and much of Mexico. Click this article to learn about a few of the most popular barrel cactus varieties.
-
Pythium Root Rot Treatment – Identifying Pythium Rot In Barrel CactusPythium rot commonly affects barrel cacti and can be difficult to detect before it is too late to save the cactus. There are no effective methods of control of pythium rot but some prevention can be undertaken. This article will help with that.
