How to Care for a Golden Barrel Cactus
If you want to learn how to care for a Golden Barrel cactus and related maintenance methods and precautions for growing flowers, the following provides a detailed introduction.
Golden Barrel Cactus Maintenance Management
1. Temperature
Temperature plays an important role in the growth cycle of the Golden Barrel cactus, which enters a dormant state in winter. In April, the cactus wakes up and begins to grow. By May and June, the temperature reaches the optimal growth range of 25-30°C, and the cactus enters a period of vigorous growth. From July to August, when the temperature exceeds 35°C, the cactus enters summer dormancy. In September, when the temperature drops to 30°C, the cactus wakes up again and resumes growth.
If managed well in autumn, its growth rate may exceed that of spring. By mid-to-late November, as the temperature drops, the cactus gradually enters a dormant period. At this point, the annual growth cycle of the Golden Barrel cactus comes to an end.
2. Light
When cultivating a Golden Barrel cactus, it is important to meet its need for sunlight as much as possible. Besides winter indoor care, it should be placed in a sunny location all day during spring, summer, and autumn. Keeping the cactus indoors for an extended period can affect its color and spine growth, causing the ball to deform and lose its ornamental value.
In winter, place the cactus near a sunny window and rotate the pot occasionally to ensure even light exposure. During the intense summer sun, provide some shade. One method is to cover the top half of the cactus with a colored plastic bag to protect the downy top from rain, then cover the entire pot with a large plastic bag and place it where it receives the most sunlight. During the high temperatures of summer, remove the large plastic bag to prevent moisture buildup that could cause the ball to rot. After removing the bag, the cactus grows well in a ventilated environment.
3. Watering
Although the Golden Barrel cactus is drought-resistant, it does not mean it does not need water. Some cacti fail to grow large or even shrink due to long periods without watering. During the growing seasons of spring and autumn, the cactus should be given adequate water, while water should be limited during the dormant periods of winter and summer.
① During the early growing period, water every 4-5 days or once a week, pouring water from the edge of the pot. It is best to water in the morning around 9-10 am or in the afternoon around 4-5 pm. Let the tap water sit for 2 days before using.
② From late April to June, the cactus's water requirement increases, so water once in the morning and once in the evening, making sure to water thoroughly.
③ During the plum rain season in June, be careful to prevent the soil from becoming too wet, which can cause root rot.
④ In July and August, when the cactus enters summer dormancy, water should be limited.
⑤ From late September to October, the cactus enters the growing season again, and water every 3-4 days.
⑥ In November, the cactus's growth slows down, so water every 10 days.
⑦ In December, the cactus enters dormancy and does not need to be watered to enhance its cold resistance.
4. Fertilizing
Fertilize frequently in the spring with thin solutions, once a week. From May to June, fertilize every 4-5 days, slightly increasing the concentration. Do not fertilize during the high summer temperatures. From September to October, fertilize once a week, and do not fertilize from November to the following spring.
Fertilizers made from diluted decomposed animal remains or poultry manure are suitable, applied in the morning around 9-10 am or in the afternoon after 5 pm. Water the day after fertilizing.
5. Repotting
The timing for repotting is the same as for planting, once a year or every other year. Prepare a larger pot and fresh potting soil, remove the cactus from the old pot, remove some of the old soil, and剪除 dead and rotting roots, then let it dry before repotting.
Since it can be difficult to repot a large cactus, you can remove some of the old soil and add fresh potting soil. After repotting, press down the soil, then add a layer of coarse gravel on top without watering.
6. Cold Protection
The Golden Barrel cactus is not cold-resistant. When the temperature drops to around 5°C, move the cactus to a sunny indoor location and keep the soil dry, avoiding cold winds.
The Golden Barrel cactus enjoys a sunny and well-ventilated environment. Do not place it in a阴暗 area of the house, as this can cause the ball to elongate, the spines to become dull, and the plant to lose its ornamental value. However, it needs some shade during the high temperatures of summer to prevent sunburn. The cactus prefers a warm and humid environment, with the optimal growth temperature being 20-25°C. In winter, it should be kept above 5°C, as low temperatures can cause unsightly yellow spots and affect its appearance. Keep the soil dry during low winter temperatures.
Spring and autumn are the best times for the Golden Barrel cactus to grow. Apply fertilizers like cake, chicken manure, bone meal, or pigeon droppings moderately. Avoid over-fertilizing and make sure to water after fertilizing to prevent damage to the plant. Stop fertilizing during winter, summer, and for newly potted plants.
The Golden Barrel cactus grows quickly and needs to be repotted annually, preferably at the end of the dormant period and before the start of the vigorous growth period. The potting soil should be fertile and rich in lime. Some of the old roots should be cut off. Although the cactus is large, it takes many years to mature, with a diameter of 15 cm requiring about 10 years and 70-80 cm requiring 20 to 40 years. Proper care must be followed to avoid losses.
7. Nursing
The cactus prefers a warm, humid, and cool environment, with the optimal growth temperature being 25-35°C. It does not tolerate low temperatures, below which it can turn brown and rot. Do not spray water on the surface of the cactus. Avoid too much or too little light, as too much can burn the plant and too little can cause it to become尖-shaped and lose its bright color.
Golden Barrel Cactus Growing Precautions
1. Love dryness, avoid waterlogging: The cactus is native to arid tropical deserts and therefore prefers dryness and avoids waterlogging. During the growing season, water only when the soil is dry, and water thoroughly when you do. Excessive watering during the growing season can prevent flowering, and watering during the dormant period can cause root rot.
2. Love light, avoid shade: The cactus needs plenty of sunlight to grow, and long-term shade can prevent flowering. However, it also avoids direct sunlight, requiring some shade during the hot summer midday to prevent sunburn.
3. Love sand, avoid clay: The cactus grows well in well-drained, aerated, and lime-rich sandy soil and avoids clay and waterlogging, which can cause poor development and root rot. The potting soil can be prepared with 3 parts loam, 3 parts decomposed leaf mold, 3 parts coarse sand, and 1 part wood ash.
4. Love alkaline, avoid acidic: The cactus prefers to grow in neutral or slightly alkaline soil, with the optimal pH being 7.0-7.5. Soil acidity can cause failure to flower and root rot. After long-term cultivation, the potting soil can become compact and acidic. Changing the pot and updating the soil every year can ensure good growth without additional fertilization.
The above introduction to how to care for a Golden Barrel cactus and related maintenance methods and precautions provides comprehensive knowledge, which we hope can help you.