Cactus Ball Shape-Glass Pot

Cactus Ball Shape-Glass Pot

Also known as a barrel cacti, as the name implies, they are almost perfectly round when juvenile, so they make excellent display plants. They are highly attractive, with evenly-spaced rows of spines on their deeply ribbed lobes. As they grow, it’s not uncommon for them to stretch out so they are more oval than circular. As with most cacti, the secret to successful indoor growth is nearly perfect drainage, as opposed to letting them dry out.

This can be quite a large plant when fully mature (as much as 6-feet tall), but they grow very, very slowly, so indoor specimens will remain manageable for many before becoming a problem.

Light

A golden ball does best in a very sunny window, perhaps with southern exposure. Plants that do not get enough sunlight will grow slowly and fail to thrive.

Water

Water infrequently (every month or two) and ensure that the soil drains completely. Do not leave any water sitting in the tray or allow them to sit in water. Golden ball are prone to root rot.

A cactus soil mix is ideal. If you use a regular peat-based mix, be sure to add sand or extra perlite to enhance drainage. Repot the plant when the soil begins to break down. Encourage drainage by adding a few inches of gravel or small pebbles to the bottom of the pot. When grown outdoors, this plant needs dry, very well-drained soil.

Fertilizer

Feed these plants every four weeks with a high-potassium fertilizer.

Temperature & Humidity

While the plant favors warm conditions, the cactus can tolerate temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It does best without humidity.