Glaucous barrel cactus

Ferocactus glaucescens is a slow-growing, rounded barrel cactus with a blue-green, waxy stem and pale yellow to golden spines. It may remain solitary or form offsets with age, making it a strong focal plant for a bright, dry garden or a container with excellent drainage. ## Form and Flowers Plants commonly reach roughly 18–28 inches tall and 20–24 inches wide, though mature clumps can spread further. Yellow, funnel-shaped flowers appear near the crown on sunny days; the [University of Arizona Campus Arboretum](https://apps.cals.arizona.edu/arboretum/taxon.aspx?id=1191) reports flowering from spring into late summer. [NParks](https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/6/2/6242) describes the blue-gray ribs, golden spines, and limestone habitat. ## Siting and Water Grow in full sun, with some afternoon shade where reflected heat is intense. Use a gritty, sharply draining mineral mix, and let the soil dry between thorough warm-season waterings. Keep it much drier in cool weather; prolonged wet soil can damage the roots. ## Maintenance Handle with care because the stiff spines are sharp. Repot only when needed, using a stable container and fresh fast-draining mix; allow broken roots to dry before watering again.