Growing as a large roughly spherical globe, Echinocactus grusonii may eventually reach over 1 metre (3.3 ft) in height after many years. Younger Golden Barrel plants do not look similar to mature specimens. The generation lifetime is estimated to be 30 years.Small yellow flowers appear in summer around the crown of the plant, but only after twenty years or so.The cactus is considered easy and relatively fast growing in warmer climates around the world. The plants do have some basic requirements; an average minimum winter temperature of 12 °C; and good drainage with less watering in winter. Excess water in cool periods may lead to rot. Golden Barrels are hardy to about
