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Cottontop Cactus

Also known as

many-head barrel cactus, Triangle Cactus, Cotton-top Cactus and Cottontop Barrel

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Echinocactus polycephalus

Genus

Echinocactus

Family

Cactaceae

Order

Caryophyllales

How to care for Cottontop Cactus

💦 Water

How often to water your Cottontop Cactus

Cottontop Cactus needs 0.5 cups of water every 12 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
12

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Cottontop Cactus in your home

Cottontop Cactus love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Cottontop Cactus does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Cottontop Cactus in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Cottontop Cactus

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Cottontop Cactus: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Cottontop Cactus after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #Echinocactus

💡 FAQs

💦 Water Needs

Cottontop Cactus thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Cottontop Cactus Water Frequency →

Cottontop Cactus Root Rot →

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Cottontop Cactus requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Cottontop Cactus Light Requirements →

Cottontop Cactus Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.

Cottontop Cactus Toxicity to Cats →

Cottontop Cactus Toxicity to Dogs →

Cottontop Cactus Toxicity to Humans →

🪴 Soil

Cottontop Cactus is very sensitive to wet soil, so choose a potting soil that drains very well and doesn’t retain too much moisture. A good soil will have lots of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. A few handfuls of perlite added to regular store-bought cactus soil will do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Cottontop Cactus →

When and How to Successfully Repot Cottontop Cactus →

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.