Echinocactus grusonii var. brevispinus - Golden barrel cactus

Echinocactus grusonii var. brevispinus, nicknamed "Spineless Mother-in-Law's Cushion", is a friendly cactus, much less thorny than the classic form. It is characterised by its almost perfect globular shape, its many well-defined ribs, and its almost smooth appearance. Highly drought-resistant, its plump silhouette can sometimes be spotted in exotic rockeries along the Mediterranean coast, where frost never occurs. Elsewhere, its disarming roundness is highly appreciated in pots, particularly in bright interiors.

Echinocactus grusonii var. brevispinus belongs to the Cactaceae family. It is a mutation that appeared in cultivation. This horticultural selection was first described in 1981. The species originates from east-central Mexico, more precisely from the states of Querétaro and Hidalgo, where it grows on rocky volcanic slopes at around 1,400 m altitude. This cactus develops a fleshy, pale green globular stem, marked by 21 to 37 well-defined ribs. Unlike the classic form, its fuzzy areoles produce only short and fine thorns, sometimes almost non-existent, giving it a smoother and less fearsome appearance. At maturity, after several decades, Echinocactus grusonii var. brevispinus can reach around 60 cm in height with a diameter close to 90 cm. Its growth is very slow, often taking more than 20 years for the plant to reach its full size. Flowering indoors is exceptional, as it requires optimal conditions. In hot and very sunny climates, specimens aged 20 years or more may flower in summer. They produce beautiful cup-shaped yellow flowers, about 5 cm in diameter, arranged in a crown at the top of the cactus. The fruits of this cactus are spherical, slightly elongated, greenish-yellow and covered with fine white down, containing brown and smooth seeds. Its root system is mainly fibrous and spreading near the surface, perfectly adapted to quickly capture water from occasional rainfall in its native habitat.

Echinocactus grusonii var. brevispinus is very sensitive to cold and cannot tolerate temperatures below -5 °C. It can only be grown outdoors in regions with a warm and dry climate (USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10). Elsewhere, it is essential to grow it in a pot so it can be overwintered in a greenhouse, conservatory, or bright room. This cactus needs a very well-draining substrate, composed of sand or gravel, as well as moderate watering in summer and almost none in winter. Placed in full sun, it will reveal its full beauty and its growth will be optimised. In your cacti and succulents collection, it will stand out for its original look!