Ferocactus glaucescens - Blue Barrel Cactus

Blue Barrel Cactus or Biznaga Dorada (Ferocactus glaucescens) (Britton & Rose): A globular cactus with deep ribs from the rocky, limestone hills of eastern and central Mexico. This species turns a powdery blue with time and has contrasting, pale yellow spines lining each rib. In the wild these barrels can reach over 18.0" in diameter, but they will stay small in an indoor pot. They produce new offsets readily as well as funnel-shaped, yellow flowers that develop into distinctive white fruits.

This cactus variety will not survive a hard frost, but if there is a risk of freezing temperatures it can be brought indoors to grow on a sunny window sill or under a grow light. Cactus need bright sunlight, great drainage, and infrequent water to prevent rot. Pick containers with drainage holes and use with 70% to 80% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. Water deeply and wait for the soil to completely dry out before watering again.