OK, I noted the watering signage placed near these cactus plants and immediately thought “Don’t Water the Cactus”. Apparently, these sun loving plants are on a very strict watering schedule. In fact, many of these cactus plants were watered last year.
I was thinking WHAT! However, apparently that seems to be the best schedule for them since they have grown quite large in their pots. That keeps the plants healthy. Too much water at the wrong time of the year will rot the cactus plant and its roots.
I, also, like the way the garden center has given this large cactus a regular name – Cerberus.
Golden Barrel Cactus – Barry
The next photograph shows Barry the Barrel Cactus displayed in front on an old wagon wheel. Smartly dressed, Barry wears a pair of paper heart shaped sunglasses. Barry is apparently not for sale.
According to my research, the Golden Barrel Cactus can reach 3 feet high by 2.5 feet wide. It takes about ten years for the cactus to reach 10 inches in diameter. It gets its name from the barrel shape.
Golden Barrel Cactus plants native to central Mexico are extremely rare in their natural habitat.
I want to purchase one of the smaller barrel cactus plants in their red orange crocks, however, but I don’t have a sunny window to grow it in.
On Signage – Hummm, good advice to ask for assistance handling the cacti. I note some of the species have pretty significant cactus thorns on them.
I remember once time our cat had a brush with a prickly pear cactus plant and we used tweezers to remove the needles.
Ending Notes on Don’t Water the Cactus Blog
OK, I would probably forget when I last watered the cactus plants so a sign with the last date is a great idea.
In conclusion, cacti plants are special in their own way and watering the plants is done with care.
Thank You to Merrifield Garden Center for allowing me to blog and take photographs at their garden store.
All items show on today’s blog are available there, however, it looks like Barry the Barrel Cactus is not for sale.
Resource Sites: mycactusgarden.com