Synonyms:

Kroenleinia grusonii
Echinocactus corynacanthus
Echinocactus galeottii

Habitat:

The typical Echinocactus grusonii species is native to the arid regions of central Mexico, where it thrives in harsh, sunny environments. The mostruosa form, being a cultivation variant, does not occur naturally in the wild and is instead propagated and grown in nurseries and collections. The natural habitat of its progenitor consists of rocky hillsides and desert plains where the climate is dry, and the soil is well-draining, factors that are mimicked in cultivation to ensure the health and growth of the mostruosa form.

Description:

Echinocactus grusonii f. mostruosa exhibits a fascinating array of growth forms, which can vary significantly from plant to plant. Unlike the uniform, spherical shape of the standard Golden Barrel, this form can display undulating ridges, irregular protrusions, and sometimes almost completely lacks the defined ribs and areoles typical of its species. This results in a plant that may appear almost alien, with a green to yellow-green coloration. Despite its irregular shape, it can still produce the characteristic yellow flowers of the species, although flowering is less common in the mostruosa form. Sizes can vary widely depending on the age and specific growth patterns of the individual plant.

Cultivation:

This is a slow growing plant, easy to cultivate. The plant needs a full light sun exposure but is recommended to avoid direct sun-light in the hottest periods. The plant does not like temperatures below 8°C so it needs to be placed indoors in the coldest periods. The soil should be mixed with pumice, clay and loam to allow the drainage and prevent the root rot, the plant is prone to it indeed. Remember to use a perforating pot to drain excess water. Watering can be done regularly in Spring and Summer: during the vegetative period you can water the plant (every 7 days), checking that the soil is completely dry before watering again; in winter you should stop the watering to allow the plant to enter dormancy. If you want a faster and lush growth you can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with the specific fertilizers for cacti; stop fertilizing throughout the winter. If the pot starts to be too small for the plant you can repot the plant in a pot 2 cm wider. Repotting should be done early in the growing season with fresh new potting soil. Be careful to red spiders and mealy bugs.

Propagation:

Propagation can be done by cutting, by seed or by grafting. By cutting you can make the cut during the spring and then let the cutting dry; after a few days the cut surface will dry and a callus will form, then place the cutting in a mixture of sand, soil and pumice. To increase the success of propagation you can make two or more cuttings at the same time. For cuttings it is recommended temperatures around 20 °C. By seed it is very simple to propagate the plant, it is enough to sow the seed in a sandy loam soil and keep it with a high level of humidity and at temperature of 14 C°. By grafting make the cut as close to the growing tip as possible, then chose a stock with a diameter similar to that of the scion. After the cut, wash away the latex until it no longer remains. Bring the scion closer to the stock and held together with elastic bands. The plants should be left in an airy and shady place for 7-10 days before the bands are removed.

Curiosity:

The mostruosa form of Echinocactus grusonii is a perfect example of the natural variability and potential for mutation within the cactus family. Its unique appearance challenges the conventional expectations of cactus shape and form, making each specimen truly one-of-a-kind. Collectors often prize these plants for their aesthetic appeal and the curiosity they inspire, serving as a reminder of the incredible adaptability and diversity of life.

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