Blue Barrel Cactus: Your Garden's Ultimate Showstopper

The Blue Barrel Cactus is often solitary but that doesn't stop it from attracting attention with its cylindrical shape and spectacular appearance. Proving to be a valuable addition into your garden, this particular cactus can last for a very long time and not only does it produce flowers, it also bears white fruits.

Overall, Ferocactus Glaucescens is an eye-catching plant that's bound to enhance your garden's aesthetic appeal.

How to Plant Ferocactus Glaucescens?

Ferocactus Glaucescens or the Blue Barrel Cactus thrives in most Australian climates. Still, following essential recommendations help optimise growth, allowing gardeners to enjoy its attractive cylindrical shape and mound forming from basal branches — basically its overall enduring sculptural beauty.

Check out these planting tips below:

• This particular cactus thrives in well-drained soil, preferably sandy or gritty soil. Avoid clay or compact soils, which can trap moisture and lead to root rot.
• Blue Barrel Cactus loves to bask in the sun. Choose a spot that can offer bright, direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. It can tolerate partial shade but may become elongated and lose its unique barrel shape if it doesn't get enough light.
• When planting, gently place the cactus in the hole and fill in with soil. Press lightly to remove air pockets. For potted plants, choose a container with drainage holes; always avoid pots that retain excess water.
• Water moderately after planting. Let the soil to dry out completely before watering again, as the plant establishes its roots. Overwatering can backfire, especially for young cacti.

How to Care for Ferocactus Glaucescens?

Ferocactus Glaucescens doesn't require heavy attention once established. But, to make sure your cactus retains its vigour, the following care steps below can make a difference:

• The Blue Barrel Cactus is drought-tolerant so its nature dictates its minimal need for watering. During the growing season (spring to summer), water about once a month or only when the soil is completely dry.
• This cactus variety needs full sun for optimal growth. If grown indoors, place it in a bright window with convenient access to direct sunlight. When in direct sunlight, avoid wetting the plant as this may lead to sunburn, scars, and fungal infections.
• This cactus prefers warm temperatures between 20-35°C. It can tolerate short periods of cold down to 10°C, but prolonged exposure to frost is a major no-no.
• Since Blue Barrel Cactus grows very slowly, it doesn't require added fertiliser, but to encourage growth, you can use low nitrogen liquid fertiliser once a year in spring.
• Pruning is not usually necessary. However, you can remove any dead or damaged parts carefully to maintain the plant's compact, neat appearance. Overall, this plant doesn't need much pruning care.

Why Should You Buy Ferocactus Glaucescens?

The Blue Barrel Cactus is not only a striking addition to any garden, it also offers benefits that can make gardening easier and more practical. Here are more reasons to add this plant into your garden:

• Easy to Care For: Blue Barrel Cactus is perfect for gardeners looking for a plant that requires minimal care. For instance, it doesn't need regular watering once established.
• Drought Tolerant: This cactus conserves water and survives in hot, arid environments, which, of course, cements its low-maintenance label. It's also more tolerant of humidity compared with most barrel cacti.
• Architectural Charm: This cactus offers attractive, rounded form and striking blue-grey hues, plus bright yellow flowers that contrast beautifully against its blue body.
• Can Live for a Long Time: Perhaps one of the most noteworthy benefits, the glaucous barrel cactus can live for decades, making it an enduring, striking feature in your garden or outdoor landscape.
• Award-winning: This cactus plant is the recipient of the Award of Garden Merit from The Royal Horticultural Society.

Things to Consider When Growing Blue Barrel Cactus

The glaucous barrel cactus needs lots of sunshine in order to thrive, so be sure you're able to provide this necessity when adding this succulent to your garden.

If grown in shaded areas, this variety of barrel cactus could lose its compact shape. Overwatering is also a common mistake when growing this succulent: make sure the soil is all dried out between waterings.

As this cactus plant prefers dry environments, it shouldn't come as a surprise how this succulent is sensitive to frost. While it can adapt to short periods of cold, it's not frost-hardy in the long term. In colder climates, it’s best to grow it in a container so it can be brought indoors during the winter.

Lastly and perhaps the most important for safety reasons, the cactus has sharp spines, so handle it with care. Use thick gloves or tools when planting or moving the cactus to avoid injury.

These sharp pines can also cause physical injuries in curious pets. The toxins coming from the Blue Barrel Cactus, on the other hand, is not detrimental for pets.

Treating Blue Barrel Cactus for Pests and Diseases

The Glaucous Barrel Cactus plant is resilient to most pests and diseases, but like all plants, it can sometimes be plagued by pests and plant diseases. Mealybugs and scale insects, for instance, can cause issues when growing this succulent. Luckily, you can easily treat infestations using neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Then there's root rot, a common disease among plants manifesting via signs that include yellowing or soft stems. The solution for root rot is simple: avoid overwatering or ensure you're planting in a well-draining soil. You can also consider repotting in dry soil.

Sunburn is also a common issue. Sudden exposure to extreme sunlight can cause sunburn, leaving discolored patches on the plant. If moving it outside, gradually acclimate it to full sun to avoid sunburn.

Where Can I Buy Blue Barrel Cactus?

This plant is available right here at the Local Botanist, where you can have it delivered directly to your doorstep. Ready to add this succulent into your collection? Check out our shipping section for more details.

We also offer more gardening tips to help you achieve your dream garden. Better yet, take our Garden Quiz to find out which gardening style is best for your space.

Companion Plants for Ferocactus Glaucescens

Adding succulents when designing a garden is a practical solution in creating a resilient, low-water landscape. It also helps a lot that this cactus offers a striking, architectural form, making it a gorgeous accent plant, especially in modern-themed or minimalistic gardens.

If that's exactly the plan, then you need other garden highlights to grow alongside it. Here are some great plants to consider:

• Agave Blue Glow: The bold, spiky rosettes of agave complement the compact nature of the Moroccan Mound, adding a gorgeous texture and contrast when designing desert-styled gardens.
• Queen Victoria Agave: It thrives in similar conditions, plus it brings an elegant look ideal for modern or other minimalist garden styles.
• Euphorbia Cowboy Cactus: Cowboy Cactus's upright and tall structure pairs well with Moroccan Mound's compact form, creating a solid contrast in your garden.
• Moroccan Mound: Another succulent that's native to Morocco is the Moroccan Mound, another striking architectural beauty to make your garden stand out.