Root System of the Barrel Cactus

Characteristics

• The barrel cactus is identified by two scientific names and several common names, including fishhook barrel cactus. Because of the curvature of the spines, they may be used as fishhooks. Other names for the cactus include candy barrel cactus and Arizona barrel cactus. The name is given to the cactus to describe its shape: short, squat and round, like a wooden barrel. The flowers are yellow and orange when they bloom in summer. Barrel cacti do not have any upper branches or stems, but under the surface of the soil where they grow they do develop a small, extensive root system.

Cultivation

• Barrel cactus will grow steadily, but slowly, in the right conditions. Plant barrel cactus in loose, well-drained soil in a site where it will receive full sunlight. If the cactus is planted properly, the roots will grow healthier and more quickly. Give the cactus water twice a month to encourage the roots to grow. The barrel cactus grows very shallow roots, but it grows a lot of them. An extensive root system keeps the cactus healthy and helps it live longer; it may live as long as 130 years. Barrel cactus is cold hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Roots

• The roots of the barrel cactus grow little longer than an inch into the soil. In some cases, the cactus may also grow a central, anchoring root that grows up to 8 inches deep into the ground. The root system of the barrel cactus is extensive. Beneath the plant, there may be dozens or hundreds of small roots that barely reach down into the soil. The cactus draws in moisture through its roots and may store water for many years before using it all.

Problems

• Root rot is one of the few problems that strikes barrel cactus. Root rot occurs when the soil is too moist, which may happen when drainage is poor. When root rot occurs, the cactus may have trouble drawing and processing the moisture it needs to survive. Barrel cactus thrives with little water, but the cactus will eventually die if it has no way to take in the water it needs so sparingly.