How often should I water it?

Water sparingly during the growing season and keep it completely dry in winter.

Does it need full sun?

Yes, it requires full, direct sun to maintain its shape and health.

Plant guide

California barrel cactus.

Ferocactus cylindraceus

Pronounced feh-roh-KAK-tus sil-in-DRA-see-us

Also known as California Barrel Cactus, Compass Barrel Cactus, Le Conte barrel cactus, Miner's Compass, cliff barrel cactus, compass cactus, desert barrel cactus, golden-spine barrel cactus

Ferocactus cylindraceus — Photo by Eric Klug (CC BY) via gbif

This striking desert native is known for its stout, cylindrical shape and impressive spines. It thrives in harsh, arid conditions where it stores water to survive long droughts. You will love how it brings a rugged, desert aesthetic to your sunny windowsills.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Succulent
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 14 to 30 days
Mature size: 3 to 6 feet tall
Growth rate: Slow
Hardiness: USDA 8 to 11
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Provide as much direct sunlight as possible to maintain its compact shape. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Watch for soft or mushy spots on the stem, which indicate the plant is getting too much moisture.

Watering: Water deeply during the growing season but keep it dry in winter.
Feeding: Feed with a low nitrogen cactus fertilizer during the spring and summer.
Pruning: Only remove dead or damaged tissue if absolutely necessary.
Repotting: Repot only when the plant has clearly outgrown its current container.
Soil: Well draining cactus mix
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -7 to 45°C
Humidity: 10 to 30%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 30 to 100 years
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
The plant has become top heavy.
The soil has broken down and no longer drains well.

Safety

People: The plant is not toxic, but the sharp spines pose a significant physical injury risk.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, though its sharp spines pose a physical injury risk.
Children: Keep this plant well out of reach of children due to the extremely sharp and dangerous spines.
Contact allergens: The sharp, stiff spines can cause painful skin punctures and irritation.
Airborne allergens: There are no known respiratory allergens associated with this plant.
Edibility: While the fruit is technically edible, it is often dry and flavorless, so it is not recommended for consumption.

How to identify it

Stout cylindrical green stem
Dense clusters of stout, curved spines
Yellow to red funnel shaped flowers
Deep vertical ribs along body

Height: 0.6 to 2m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.5m
Leaves: green, blue-green, evergreen
Flowers: yellow, orange, 4 to 6cm
Fruit: yellow, Summer

Problems to watch for

MealybugsCommon
Root RotCommon
Scale InsectsUncommon
Spider MitesUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed
When to plant: spring, early summer
Overwintering: Keep the plant completely dry during the winter months to prevent rot. Ensure it is protected from freezing temperatures if grown in a container.
In containers: It grows well in pots, provided the container has excellent drainage and a gritty soil mix.

Seed

1. Sow seeds in a well draining cactus mix.
2. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination occurs.
3. Provide bright, indirect light for seedlings.
4. Gradually increase sun exposure as they mature.

Group this cactus with other desert plants that require minimal water to ensure they all thrive together.

Grows well with

Creosote bush · They share similar water and sun requirements in a desert landscape.
Ocotillo · It provides a nice structural contrast to the barrel shape.

Similar species

Golden barrel cactus · It has a similar barrel shape but with different spine coloration.

Science

Family: Cactaceae
Genus: Ferocactus
Order: Caryophyllales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Conservation: It is not currently listed as endangered, but wild collection is discouraged to protect natural populations.

It survives in arid desert environments by storing water in its thick, succulent stem.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: xeriscaping, desert garden specimen, container plant

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 7/9
Light: 9/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 1/9
Nutrients: 2/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How often should I water it?: Water sparingly during the growing season and keep it completely dry in winter.
Does it need full sun?: Yes, it requires full, direct sun to maintain its shape and health.

Where the name comes from

The name Ferocactus comes from the Latin ferox, meaning fierce, referring to its intense spines. The species name cylindraceus refers to its cylindrical growth habit.

Good to know

It is commonly called the California barrel cactus.
The spines turn a deep red when wet.
It can live for many decades in the wild.
It is highly adapted to extreme heat and drought.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.