Golden barrel cactus

The golden barrel cactus is armed with golden yellow spines. Spines grow from areoles, modified leaf stalks, and are arranged in rows up and down the plant. It quickly grows to about 10cm (4in) in the first few years, then taking many years for it to double its size. In its native Mexico, plants can eventually grow to around 90cm (3ft) wide, but cultivated usually only grow to around 30cm (12in). Feed plants once a month, during the growing season, with a high potash fertiliser. During winter, do not water the plants but just keep them moist otherwise they will rot.