Picture via Wikimedia
Basic Info
Echinocactus Platyacanthus is also known as the ‘Giant Barrel Cactus’. As the plant matures you can expect it to reach up to around 2.5 m (8.2ft) and about 1.5 m (5ft) in diamter. The plant is best known to have a large green stem with many dark brown spines. When it finally flowers the flowers it will produce yellow flowers.
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Echinocactus
Care and Propagation Information
Watering
Echinocactus Platyacanthus ‘Giant Barrel Cactus’ can be quite beautiful when it is well-taken care off. This succulent type needs typical watering as the other succulents. The watering method is very important to keep your Giant Barrel Cactus healthy. It should not sit on the water, and an excess amount of water should be avoided. The best way of watering is soak and dry method this succulent. Yet, the succulent should be controlled to avoid overwatering.
General Care for Echinocactus Platyacanthus ‘Giant Barrel Cactus’
This succulent type is best known for its massive size and yellow flower. It is a nice addition to your outside garden!
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Quick Facts:
- Prefers full sun
- Can be grown outdoor
- Grows 2.5 m (8.2ft) tall
- Grows up to 1.5 m (5ft) wide
- Can die easily if overwatered see: How to Water Succulent Plants
- Does not handle cold well
- Prefers Zone 9b-11b -3.9 °C (25 F)
- Best propagated by seeds
- Flowers are yellow
Where to Plant
Echinocactus Platyacanthus ‘Giant Barrel Cactus’ succulents need strong light. When planting this succulent type in a garden, make sure it gets sunlight. Full to partial sun is the best for its growth. It is better to grow outdoor rather than indoor.
This type of succulent prefers a warm climate. It can survive at zone 9b-11b which is around -3.9 °C (25 °F). If you live in a cold area, it is better to plant the Giant Barrel Cactus in an indoor environment. As long as it gets enough sunlight, the plant will grow happily.
How to Propagate Echinocactus Platyacanthus ‘Giant Barrel Cactus’
The Giant Barrel Cactus can be propagated by seeds. This succulent type does not require repotting often. Of course, the first-time repotting is essential when it is bought from the store.
Like all the other succulent types, a well-drained soil mixture is essential. If you want to know about well-drained soil mixtures, check How to Prepare Well-drained Soil for Succulent Plants.
How to Propagate Echinocactus Platyacanthus ‘Giant Barrel Cactus’ Using Seeds
This succulent type is a slow grower so even if it can be propagated by its seeds, this method is not recommended. To propagate from the seeds, plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture. This method can be used outdoors. In cooler areas, indoor propagating is recommended.
Origin and Habitat
The Giant Barrel Cactus is known to be native to central Mexico around the Chihuahuan Desert
