Long-spined Barrel Cactus
ferocactus cylindraceus
Also known as: ["Long-spined Barrel Cactus","Echinocactus cylindraceus"]
Overview
A large, barrel-shaped cactus with prominent, long spines and a columnar growth habit, native to arid regions of North America.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","low maintenance","rare/collector’s item","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Ferocactus |
| Botanical Name: | Ferocactus cylindraceus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, sunny location or outdoor xeriscaped garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus mix with added perlite or coarse sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 years or when damage is evident.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning which can stress the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours direct sunlight daily). Adjust to partial shade in extreme summer heat to prevent sunburn.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; provide shade during peak summer heat; ensure proper ventilation to prevent overheating.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use shade cloth in intense summer; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, every 3–4 weeks in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; reduce watering in winter dormancy.
Soil
fast-draining cactus mix with coarse sand or perlite
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid peat-heavy mixes; use inorganic amendments.
Temperature
Warm temperatures (70–90°F or 21–32°C) during active growth; tolerate brief cold to 20°F (-6°C) but prefer above 50°F (10°C) in winter.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good ventilation in heat.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during growing season with balanced cactus fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilization; water before applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (rarely offsets).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Cut healthy stem segment.
- Let callus form for a few days.
- Plant in medium.
- Water sparingly until roots form.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F or 21–27°C), high humidity (50–70%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Cactus mix or perlite/sand mixture.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rate.
Timeline
4–8 weeks for roots to develop; several months to establish.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, rooting hormone, propagation tray, cactus mix.
Quick Tips
Allow cut end to callus before planting; use sterile tools; maintain humidity.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Carefully remove spines or small sections with clean cuts; avoid damaging the main body.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; remove dead or damaged spines/stems to maintain shape and health.
Tools
Sterile pruning shears, gloves, small brush for spines.
Checklist
Wear gloves; sterilize tools; prune only dead/damaged parts; clean up spines.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 inches in diameter); ensure bottom drainage.
Method
Remove carefully to avoid root damage; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh cactus mix with good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot only when root-bound or soil is depleted, typically every 3–5 years.
Checklist
Use fresh cactus mix; ensure drainage; handle roots gently; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce winter watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation without pooling. Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply during active growing season (spring-summer), reducing frequency in fall, and withholding water in winter. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to commercial potting soil to enhance drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, stunted growth, or softening of tissues in cold; wilting, scorching, or sunburn in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow metabolism and can cause root damage or tissue death if prolonged below freezing.
Solution: Protect from frost with frost cloth; move indoors in freezing conditions; ensure dry soil to prevent cold root damage.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, sunburn, or heat stress, especially with inadequate water or ventilation.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use cactus-specific fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during growing season only.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring-summer); cease in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicThe Ferocactus cylindraceus is not considered toxic to cats. The main concern is mechanical injury from the spines, which can cause irritation or injury if ingested. The sap is not expected to cause significant toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched or ingested
Dogs
Non-toxicThe Ferocactus cylindraceus is not considered toxic to dogs. The primary risk is mechanical injury from the spines, which can cause puncture wounds or irritation if ingested. The sap is not expected to cause significant toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched or ingested
Humans
Non-toxicThe Ferocactus cylindraceus is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, contact with its spines can cause mechanical injury, and the sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Ingestion is not expected to cause significant toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched or ingested
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Ferocactus cylindraceus?
A: Water sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry, typically every 2-4 weeks depending on climate.
Q: Does this cactus need full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Q: Can I grow Ferocactus cylindraceus indoors?
A: It can be grown indoors if placed in a very bright location with direct sunlight, but it is best suited for outdoor cultivation.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
