The blue barrel cactus is an attractive member of the cactus and succulent family, 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 or wetter climate, blue barrel cactus care in an indoor container is simple.
About Blue Barrel Cactus Plants
The scientific name for blue barrel cactus is Ferocactus glaucescens, and it is native to eastern and central areas of Mexico, especially the state of Hidalgo. It tends to grow in the mountains between the rocks and as part of the native juniper woodlands and shrub habitat. Barrel cacti get their name from the shape and growth type, which is round and squat. They grow as solitary barrels until older when new heads grow to create a mound. The color is a rich gray- or blue-green, and the barrel is ridged with clusters of spines. The main barrel grows up to 22 inches (56 cm.) in height and 20 inches (51 cm.) across. In the spring, you’ll get funnel-shaped yellow flowers at the crown, followed by round, white fruits.
How to Grow a Blue Barrel Cactus
Growing blue barrel cactus is easy, although it will grow slowly. Give it a rich soil that drains well and a sunny spot. If growing it in a container, drainage is crucial, as any standing water can quickly cause rot. Water to get it established, but then only water when there has been a drought or too little rain. It is also necessary to avoid wetting the cactus above the soil line when watering if it is in full sun. This can cause burning on the surface. If growing in a container, eight inches (20.5 cm.) in diameter is big enough if you want to keep the cactus compact in size. But you can also choose a larger pot to give it more room and allow it to grow to a bigger size. Be sure your blue barrel gets enough sun indoors, and consider taking it outside for the summer if it’s not too wet.
-
9 Thoughtful Stocking Stuffers For Gardeners – That They’ll Actually UseStocking stuffers often end up an after-thought, but not these! Explore expert-curated stocking stuffers for gardeners that they'll use for years to come.
-
Are Amaryllis Plants Poisonous To Cats? How You Can Tell – And What To Grow InsteadThe holiday season is a perfect time to showcase your favorite Christmas blooms, but are amaryllis plants poisonous to cats? Here’s how to keep felines safe and well
-
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.
-
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.
-
Barrel Cactus Care – Learn How To Grow An Arizona Barrel CactusArizona barrel cactus 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 suitable for growing in USDA zones 9-12. Learn how to grow an Arizona barrel cactus here.
-
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.
