Picture via davesgarden
Basic Info
Echinocactus Polycephalus is also better known as the ‘Woolly-headed Barrel Cactus’. As the plant matures you can expect the stem to be dark green to grey featuring beautiful looking red to pinkish spines.
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Genus: Echinocactus
Care and Propagation Information
Watering
Echinocactus Polycephalus ‘Wolly-Head 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 Wolly-Head 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 Polycephalus ‘Wolly-Head Barrel Cactus’
This succulent type is a beautiful cactus that is easy to grow, especially for new growers to the plant. It is a nice addition to your outside garden!
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Quick Facts:
- Prefers full sun
- Can be grown outdoor
- Grows 30 cm (12″) tall
- Grows up to 60 cm (24″) wide
- Can die easily if overwatered see: How to Water Succulent Plants
- Does not handle cold well
- Prefers Zone 8b-11b -6.7 °C (20 F)
- Best propagated by seeds
Where to Plant
Echinocactus polycephalus ‘Wolly-Head 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 8b-11b which is around -6.7 °C (20 °F). If you live in a cold area, it is better to plant Wolly-Head Barrel Cactus in an indoor environment. As long as it gets enough sunlight, the plant will grow happily.
How to Propagate Echinocactus polycephalus ‘Wolly-Head Barrel Cactus’
Wolly-Head 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 polycephalus ‘Wolly-Head Barrel Cactus’ From Cuttings
When propagating the succulent from cuttings, cut a leaf from the mother plant carefully with a clean knife or scissors. Before replanting, wait for a few days to allow it to callous. Use well-draining soil for your new succulent plant. Don’t forget to water when the soil dries out.
How to Propagate Wolly-Head 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
Wolly-Head Barrel Cactus is native to Marble Canyon, Arizona, Bostonia, and California.
