Barrel cactus care guide
Ferocactus
Also known as: Fishhook barrel cactus
Pets and children
Caution advised
The thick, hooked spines lodge in skin and can injure a pet's mouth or paws; keep it out of reach and see a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if one sticks or a piece is eaten.
How often to water Barrel cactus
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 10 days
- A summer grower: as a guide, water thoroughly a few days after the soil has dried through.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 14 days
- Space waterings out as it cools, about a week after the soil dries, as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 30 days
- Nearly dry: moisten the soil lightly about once a month on a warm morning.
Light and placement for Barrel cactus
Generally full sun and moving air year round, out of the rain; strong light grows thick, well-colored spines, but small plants and any just brought outdoors scorch in midsummer sun, so acclimate them gradually.
Overwintering Barrel cactus
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
Kept dry it tolerates around 5°C; as a guide, move it to the sunniest window indoors before nights fall below that, since weak winter light makes the spring growth narrow.
Fertilizing and repotting Barrel cactus
Fertilizer
Diluted liquid feed about once a month from April to September, kept light, since too much splits the skin and weakens the spines; none in winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Barrel cactus
- Short of light indoors, the new growth comes out thin and pale green.
- Left out in the rainy season, it overheats and rots from the base.
- Watered on the summer schedule through winter, the roots rot.
Tips for growing Barrel cactus
- Handle it for repotting or moving with thick gloves or a wrapping of newspaper.
- Turning the pot now and then keeps the body round and even.
- Plant in a gritty cactus mix and do not let water sit in the pot bottom.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
