Bareroot Fire Barrel

The Bareroot Fire Barrel, commonly referred to as Ferocactus cylindraceus or the California Barrel Cactus, is a striking and robust species of barrel cactus native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is known for its cylindrical shape and vibrant, fiery-colored flowers.

The Fire Barrel cactus typically grows to about 12 to 24 inches in height and 12 to 18 inches in spread, but it can eventually grow larger, especially in its natural habitat. The cactus features a stout, cylindrical shape with prominent ribs lined with strong, hooked spines that can be red, yellow, or gray. The spines are both a defense mechanism and a shade provider, reducing water loss and sun exposure.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Fire Barrel cactus is its bright, showy flowers. The blooms are usually bright orange to red and appear at the top of the cactus, typically during the late spring and early summer. The flowers are followed by yellow fruit.

This cactus thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil. It's well-suited for desert landscaping, rock gardens, and cactus gardens due to its drought tolerance and low water requirements. In colder climates, it can be grown in containers and brought indoors during winter to protect it from freezing temperatures.

The Fire Barrel cactus is valued not only for its striking appearance and resilience but also for its ability to adapt to a variety of dry, sunny environments. Its fiery-colored flowers and imposing presence make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of the dramatic to their landscape.

Overall, the Bareroot Fire Barrel cactus is a hardy, low-maintenance plant, ideal for adding a bold and exotic touch to gardens. Its vivid flowers, cylindrical form, and striking spines make it an eye-catching addition to any cactus or succulent collection.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Bareroot Fire Barrel

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for the cactus' mature size and optimal air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: No staking is needed; Fire Barrel Cactus is self-supporting and naturally grows upright

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil. Ensure the soil is well-drained, and avoid letting water pool at the base of the plant.
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system, especially since it’s bareroot.
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session to ensure deep watering around the roots, but ensure the water drains well.

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: The Fire Barrel Cactus is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil and the plant begins showing new growth.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall. Fire Barrel Cactus is drought-tolerant once established but still benefits from occasional deep watering during dry winter periods.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure that water reaches the root zone and encourages deep root growth. Avoid getting the water too close to the cactus’ stem.
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering. This allows water to penetrate deep into the soil and promotes healthy root development.
• Number of Emitters: Place 1 emitter per cactus to ensure even water distribution. Adjust the number of emitters if planting multiple cacti in a group or if the plant matures.
• Irrigation Zone: Set up a dedicated irrigation zone for drought-tolerant plants like the Fire Barrel to ensure the watering needs of the cactus are met without over-watering.
• Adjusting Frequency: In the summer, you may need to water more frequently (every 5-7 days) due to higher temperatures. In cooler months, reduce watering to every 3-4 weeks, or adjust based on rainfall.

General Watering Tips:

• Soil Check: Check the soil moisture regularly. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
• Avoid Overwatering: Fire Barrel Cactus prefers well-drained soil and dry conditions. Overwatering can cause root rot, so be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings.
• Mulch: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture, reduce soil temperature, and suppress weeds, but avoid letting mulch touch the plant’s stem.