How to Fertilize a Barrel Cactus

The squat, fat shape of the barrel cactus makes it a prized choice as an indoor potted plant. The cactus plant fills a pot well and, as it matures, it produces small offsets that cluster attractively around the main plant. Barrel cacti come in a variety of forms, though most resemble upright cylinders or squat globes. Their long spines further add interest to the plant, and some varieties also produce attractive flowers. Barrel cacti require some nutrients, but care is necessary since too much fertilization can be more harmful than none at all.

Things You'll Need

• 5-10-5 soluble fertilizer

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Dilute a soluble 5-10-5 fertilizer in water. Mix the fertilizer and water at half the rate recommended on the fertilizer package.

   • 2

     Water the barrel cactus with the diluted fertilizer. Apply the water directly to the soil around the base of the cactus and not directly onto the cactus. Apply the fertilizer until the excess liquid begins to drain from the bottom of the pot. Empty the drip tray under the pot after fertilizing.

   • 3

     Begin fertilizer applications in June, and continue to apply the fertilizer once a month through September. Barrel cacti become semi-dormant in winter and do not require fertilizing.