Golden barrel cactus Echinocactus grusonii

Mother-in-Law’s Cushion is supplied in a nursery pot. You can also repot your cactus – use an attractive planter than will allow extra water to drain off.

It's best to use a compost for cacti or mix some sharp sand or fine gravel with ordinary potting compost. Choose a pot with holes in the base and cover the bottom with a layer of potsherds or hydro-pellets. Plant the cactus at the appropriate depth in the pot. Fill with compost, press firmly down, and water sparingly directly after planting. Stand your cactus in a sunny spot.

Here’s a tip: When handling cactus, use newspaper folded into strips, or use thick gardening gloves to avoid the spines.

Mother-in-Law’s Cushion grows well in a warm and bright spot in the living room. Water moderately as the compost may often get dry. During the winter, give the Echinocactus grusonii small amounts of cool water.

Come spring, slowly start adding some water into the compost along with a small amount of plant food.

Echinocactus gusonii is originally from the Mexican interior where it is now considered an endangered species. The large examples are particularly prone to theft and those are the plants that breed.

Echinocactus grusonii can flower but only once it reaches 20 years old. The flower is usually yellow, or cream. This plant can grow really old and could reach approx. 1 metre high! It makes offshoots of little bulb cacti making it a really decorative item.