Golden Barrel vs Fire Barrel Cactus
The short answer
Golden Barrel is the round, gold-spined cactus from central Mexico that stays about 2 to 3 feet for years and suits pots, entries and groups. Native Fire Barrel is an Arizona native with red spines that slowly grows into a column 5 to 10 feet tall. It takes more sun and cold on less water.
Side by side
| Golden Barrel | Native Fire Barrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Native to | Central Mexico | Mojave and Sonoran deserts, including Arizona |
| Shape and size | Round, 2 to 3 ft tall and wide | Round when young, then a column 5 to 10 ft tall and 1 to 3 ft wide |
| Spines | Bright golden | Deep red when young, turning gray and curved with age |
| Growth | Slow, about 1 to 2 inches a year | Slow |
| Water once rooted | Low | Very low |
| Sun | Full sun; young plants like afternoon shade in the hottest months | Full sun and reflected heat |
| Cold hardy | About 18 to 20°F | About 10 to 20°F |
| Bloom | Ring of yellow flowers on mature plants, often after 15 to 20 years | Ring of yellow flowers in late spring |
| Groups and pots | Good in groups of mixed sizes and in pots; clusters sold | Banks, slopes and native beds; grows in a large pot when young |
Choose Golden Barrel if...
- You want a round accent that keeps the same look for years.
- You are planting a patio pot or an entry bed.
- You want a group of several sizes, or a cluster with several heads.
Choose Native Fire Barrel if...
- You want an Arizona native for a desert or native planting.
- You like red spines and a plant that grows tall over the years.
- The spot is hot, open and dry, with full or reflected sun.
Questions people ask
Which barrel cactus is native to Arizona?
Native Fire Barrel. It grows wild in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts, including Arizona. Golden Barrel comes from central Mexico, where it is endangered in the wild.
Which one gets taller?
Native Fire Barrel. It starts round and slowly becomes a column 5 to 10 feet tall. Golden Barrel stays a round ball about 2 to 3 feet tall.
Why are my fire barrel spines turning gray?
That is normal aging. New spines are straight and red, then they curve and turn gray as they age.
Why do fire barrels lean?
Mature plants often lean toward the southwest, which is where the name compass barrel comes from. Plant it with its marked south side facing south.
Can a barrel cactus get sunburned?
Yes. Both can burn if the side that grew in shade is turned to face the sun. Mark the south side before planting and plant it facing the same way.
How often do I water a barrel cactus in Phoenix?
Very little once rooted. Water a young Golden Barrel about monthly in the hot months unless it rains. Water a rooted Fire Barrel every 2 to 4 weeks in summer, and keep both dry in winter.