Giant Barrel Cactus
Care
Lighting
Echinocactus platyacanthus is suitable for part sunny to full sunny places with a minimum of 3 hours direct sunlight per day. If placed outside from spring to fall please acclimate him slowly to the sun which is no longer filtered through a window. Otherwise it could get sunburnt.
Soil
At least 50 % of the soil should consist of mineral components such as pumice gravel, bird sand or perlite. Potting soil can be mixed with pumice and sand or perlite and sand in a ratio of 2:1:1. The Giant Barrel Cactus grows also good in pure pumice.
Watering
Allow the soil to dry between the waterings. Water sparingly if placed cool during winter. The cooler it is placed, the less water it needs.
Feeding
Every 4th to 8th week when in active growth with cacti liquid fertilizer or a standard liquid fertilizer at half strength. New bought or recently repotted cacti don’t need to be fed for the first year.
Temperature
The Giant Barrel Cactus does best with a cool winter rest period at 3 to 10 °C (37 to 50 °F) but also can be placed at 10 to 15 (50 to 59 °F). Minimum temperature is 1 °C (34 °F).
Propagation
Can be done with seeds.
Profile
Scientific name
Echinocactus platyacanthus
Common name(s)
Giant Barrel Cactus, Giant Viznaga, Biznaga Gigante
Family
Cactaceae
Origin
Mexico
Height
More than 2 meters in height and up to 1.5 meters tall
Toxic
No
Echinopsis subdenudata
Gymnocalycium anisitsii
Schlumbergera hybrids