Source: Wikimedia Commons
Blue barrel cactus
IntermediateFerocactus glaucescens
A barrel cactus whose frosted blue-green skin contrasts with yellow spines on sharp ribs. It grows from globular to cylindrical and bears yellow, bell-shaped flowers at the crown.
About
Ferocactus glaucescens is endemic to Mexico, growing on limestone hills and in dry forest at 550–2,300 m in Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Querétaro and San Luis Potosí. De Candolle described it as Echinocactus glaucescens in 1828, and Britton and Rose moved it to Ferocactus in 1922. The name means 'becoming blue-green', referring to its frosted, glaucous skin. Plants are globular to cylindrical, solitary or clustering, up to 45 cm tall and 60 cm across, with slightly sunken crowns and 12–17 sharp, non-tuberculate ribs. Elongated, often connected areoles bear yellow spines up to 3.5 cm long: one central and six or seven radials. Bell-shaped yellow flowers are up to 4.5 cm long, followed by round, whitish to yellowish, red-tinged fruit. It holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit and in temperate regions is recommended for growing under glass. A spineless form (f. nuda) is known. Some databases, including GBIF, treat it under Bisnaga, but CITES references and horticulture still use Ferocactus glaucescens. Japanese references class it as a summer grower, and it is a staple barrel cactus sold mainly by specialist nurseries in Japan.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Blue barrel cactus
The Blue barrel cactus grows to Up to 45 cm tall and 60 cm across.
Basic Info
Origin
Mexico (Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí)
Lifespan
Perennial
Size
Up to 45 cm tall and 60 cm across
Temperature
5〜35℃
Humidity
30〜50%
Watering & Fertilizer
Light feeder
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Grow in full sun out of the rain; in temperate climates a greenhouse or cold frame is recommended.
Watering
A summer grower. Water after the mix dries from spring to autumn, and keep it dry in winter.
Temperature & Overwintering
A Japanese reference gives about -6°C as its limit, but keep potted plants frost-free so they do not freeze in winter.
Soil & Repotting
It grows on limestone hills, so use a free-draining cactus mix.
Pests & Cautions
The spines are hard and sharp; use thick gloves or wrap the plant in paper when repotting. The spineless f. nuda may be sold under the same name.
Blue barrel cactus FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Blue barrel cactus?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QHow large does Blue barrel cactus get?
The mature size of Blue barrel cactus is Up to 45 cm tall and 60 cm across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Blue barrel cactus?
Blue barrel cactus: watering & fertilizer — Light feeder. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Blue barrel cactus?
The price of Blue barrel cactus varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Ferocactus glaucescens (DC.) Britton & Rose
Synonyms: Echinocactus dietrichianus, Echinocactus glaucescens, Echinocactus mammillarioides, Echinocactus pfeifferi, Echinocactus theiacanthus, Echinocactus theionacanthus, Echinofossulocactus pfeifferi, Ferocactus glaucescens
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II (as part of the family-level listing of Cactaceae). International trade requires export permits, but no registration is needed to transfer plants within Japan. It is not regulated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Ferocactus glaucescens / Ministry of the Environment: list of Invasive Alien Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Find listings for this species
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