Welcome to the world of barrel cactus - a stunning perennial, evergreen cactus that's bound to leave you in awe! Echinocactus grusonii 'albispinus' also known as white barrel cactus, white ball cactus, and Mother-in-law's-cushion, is a vibrant member of Echinocactus grusonii! The primary distinction between these two varieties is the color of their spines: the white barrel cactus has white spines, while the golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) has yellow spines, as their name indicates.
With its ribbed and light green primary plant hue, this cactus ball is an absolute showstopper. This globular stem grows up to 35 inches in length as it matures, and the spines turn brown in full sun. Native to Mexico this ball cactus will bloom in the summer and produce bright yellow flowers when they receive enough sunlight.
It grows best in warm conditions, typically indoors, and its active growth period is usually late spring and fall. They can also thrive in outdoor cultivation all year round in USDA zones 9 -11. Outside of these areas, growers can grow these barrel cacti indoors or in pots so the plants can spend the winter indoors.
But that's not all - it's also incredibly low maintenance, making it perfect for even the busiest gardener. During summer, water the plant but avoid overwatering to prevent sunburns and scars. Keep it dry in winter. Use a well-drained soil mix with specialized cactus potting soil, to keep it healthy.
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Sun Exposure
Toxicity
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Echinocactus grusonii albispinus |
| Common Name | White barrel cactus, white ball cactus, Mother-in-law's-cushion |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Bright yellow |
| Genus | Echinocactus |
| Growth Habit | Globular |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 35 in. tall |
| Native Area | Mexico |
| Plant Type | Perennial cactus |
| Propagation | By seeds, stem cuttings |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, heat resistant, deer resistant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | specialized cactus potting soil |
| Special Features | Unique white spines |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, safe for pets |
| Watering Needs | Low |
- Description
- Key Plant Features
Welcome to the world of barrel cactus - a stunning perennial, evergreen cactus that's bound to leave you in awe! Echinocactus grusonii 'albispinus' also known as white barrel cactus, white ball cactus, and Mother-in-law's-cushion, is a vibrant member of Echinocactus grusonii! The primary distinction between these two varieties is the color of their spines: the white barrel cactus has white spines, while the golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) has yellow spines, as their name indicates.
With its ribbed and light green primary plant hue, this cactus ball is an absolute showstopper. This globular stem grows up to 35 inches in length as it matures, and the spines turn brown in full sun. Native to Mexico this ball cactus will bloom in the summer and produce bright yellow flowers when they receive enough sunlight.
It grows best in warm conditions, typically indoors, and its active growth period is usually late spring and fall. They can also thrive in outdoor cultivation all year round in USDA zones 9 -11. Outside of these areas, growers can grow these barrel cacti indoors or in pots so the plants can spend the winter indoors.
But that's not all - it's also incredibly low maintenance, making it perfect for even the busiest gardener. During summer, water the plant but avoid overwatering to prevent sunburns and scars. Keep it dry in winter. Use a well-drained soil mix with specialized cactus potting soil, to keep it healthy.
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Sun Exposure
Toxicity
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Echinocactus grusonii albispinus |
| Common Name | White barrel cactus, white ball cactus, Mother-in-law's-cushion |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Bright yellow |
| Genus | Echinocactus |
| Growth Habit | Globular |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 35 in. tall |
| Native Area | Mexico |
| Plant Type | Perennial cactus |
| Propagation | By seeds, stem cuttings |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, heat resistant, deer resistant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | specialized cactus potting soil |
| Special Features | Unique white spines |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, safe for pets |
| Watering Needs | Low |