| Botanical Name | Ferocactus gracilis |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Plant Type | Cactus |
| Mature Size | 2-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil |
| Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0) |
| Bloom Time | Late spring to summer |
| Flower Color | Red, yellow |
| Hardiness Zones | 9-11 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Mexico |
The Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus gracilis) is a striking, barrel-shaped cactus known for its fiery red or yellow spines. Native to the deserts of the Southwestern U.S. and Northern Mexico, it can grow up to 10 feet tall and blooms with bright yellow or red flowers.
Like the Devil’s Tongue Barrel Cactus, this species belongs to the Ferocactus family, making it another perfect addition to any desert-themed garden.
Many people find cacti care challenging, especially when it comes to watering and sunlight needs. This guide will simplify it all, helping you confidently nurture your Fire Barrel Cactus step-by-step!
How To Grow Fire Barrel Cactus
Here are some methods for growing Fire Barrel Cactus in the below table.
| Method | Recommended | Difficulty | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offsets | ✔ | Moderate | Easy method for propagation. |
| Leaf Cutting | ✘ | Hard | Not applicable; cacti do not have leaves. |
| Seed | ✔ | Hard | Requires a warm, sunny environment and a well-draining cactus mix. Patience needed for germination. |
| Bulb | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Not applicable; cacti do not grow from bulbs. |
| Division | ✘ | Hard | Not applicable; Fire Barrel Cactus does not naturally divide. |
| Layering | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Not suitable; cacti do not produce offsets for layering. |
Preparations:
Before we start, gather some essentials:
- Shallow tray or small pots with drainage holes (for seed method)
- Cactus or succulent potting mix
- Seeds or a plant from nursery
- Plastic wrap or a humidity dome
Growing Fire Barrel Cactus by Offsets (Step-by-Step)
- Select a Healthy Offset: Choose a healthy offset to ensure successful propagation.
- Planting: Plant the offset in a pot with well-draining cactus mix. Water sparingly until it settles.
- Care: Keep the pot in a sunny location and avoid overwatering.
Growing Fire Barrel Cactus by Seeds:
Growing Fire Barrel cactus from seeds is hard, still this article recommends this method. Although it requires patience, it’s the best method for propagating the Fire Barrel Cactus. Fire Barrel Cactus and Devil’s Tongue Cactus share the seed propagation method and we already discussed this seed method here step by step.
How to care for a Fire Barrel Cactus?
The most important care aspect of the Fire Barrel Cactus is proper watering. This cactus is highly drought-tolerant, and overwatering is the most common cause of problems. It’s crucial to:
- Water sparingly and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Reduce watering during the winter when the cactus is dormant.
Proper watering ensures the Fire Barrel Cactus remains healthy and prevents issues like root rot and fungal infections.
Keep it in direct, bright light for 6 hours and provide shade during extreme heat waves. If grown indoors, place the cactus near a south or west-facing window where it can receive bright, direct sunlight.
For more details on sunlight, temperature, fertilizers, and repotting kindly refer to this table of care of Golden Barrel Cactus. It has the same care requirements.
Pests, Diseases and Solutions:
The Fire Barrel Cactus is generally resilient and not highly prone to pests, but it can occasionally be affected by:
- Mealybugs: Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil for larger infestations.
- Scale Insects: Manually remove scales with a soft brush or apply horticultural oil or neem oil to suffocate the pests. Systemic insecticides can also be effective.
- Spider Mites: Increase humidity around the cactus and spray with a strong stream of water to dislodge mites. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help eliminate them.
Root Rot, Fungal Infections, and Bacterial Infections are the diseases caused by overwatering, and for their solution, you should know the proper watering of this cactus.
Conclusion
The Fire Barrel Cactus is an exceptional desert plant which needs full sun and minimal watering. Drought tolerant as they have the ability to store water. With its long lifespan of up to 100 years, this cactus is a true survivor.
Its dense spines provide protection and shade, while its tendency to lean south has earned it the nickname “Compass Cactus.”
The beautiful flowers which attract insects and its juiciness are some of the reasons why you would want to have Fire Barrel Cactus in your garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
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