Multiply Your Golden Barrel Cactus in 5 Easy Steps

Are you obsessed with golden barrel cacti but can’t afford to keep buying new ones? Well, good news cactus lovers – you can actually multiply these prickly but oh-so-cute succulents at home with almost zero effort! All you need is one trusty golden barrel cactus and you’ll be able to grow an entire cactus garden.

Get ready to become a golden barrel cactus propagation pro by following these 5 simple steps. Your friends will be mind-blown by your green thumb skills!

Step 1: Spot the Pups

The first thing you need to do is locate the pups (baby offshoots) growing at the base or sides of your mature golden barrel cactus. These little guys will eventually grow into full-sized cacti. How cool is that?

Step 2: Safely Remove the Pups

Once you’ve identified the pups, it’s time for some careful surgery. Grab a clean, sharp knife or trowel and gently dig around the base to loosen the pup from the mother plant. Be sure to wear thick gloves to protect your hands from those sneaky spines! Slowly twist and pull the pup until it detaches.

Step 3: Let ‘Em Scab

After removing the pups, simply set them aside on a paper towel for a few days. This allows the detachment point to dry out and form a callusy scab, which helps prevent rot when replanting. During this time, choose the perfect new pots with drainage holes for your future cactus babies.

Step 4: Repot the Pups

Fill the new pots with an appropriate very well-draining cactus/succulent soil. Using tongs or wearing gloves, firmly press each pup into the soil about 1⁄3 of the way down. Don’t water them right away – let the pups settle in for a week or two first.

Step 5: Water Wisely

Once your pups have had time to establish roots in their new homes, it’s finally time for their first drink! Give them a nice, thorough soaking with a spray bottle. Going forward, only water when the soil is completely dried out. Easy peasy!

Bonus Step: Propagate from Seeds

If you want to produce even more golden barrel cacti, you can also grow them from seeds! Simply plant the cactus seeds 1⁄8 inch deep in a well-draining cactus/succulent soil. Keep the soil lightly moist and in a warm, sunny spot. Within 3-4 weeks, you should see tiny sprouts emerge! Once they’re a few inches tall, you can transplant the baby cacti into their permanent homes.

And there you have it – in just 5 (or 6) steps, you multiplied your golden barrel cactus stash! Before you know it, you’ll have an entire backyard greenhouse filled with your new prickly friends. The most rewarding part is watching those tiny pups and seedlings transform into big, bright golden orbs. So what are you waiting for? Get propagating!