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Kroenleinia spp.
East-central Mexico (Queretaro, Hidalgo)
Overview
Kroenleinia is a cactus genus represented by the single species Kroenleinia grusonii, the golden barrel cactus, native to a small area of east-central Mexico. Young plants are nearly spherical and broaden with age into a ribbed barrel up to about 3 feet (90 cm) tall and 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) wide, usually solitary but sometimes clustering in old age. The body bears 20 to 35 or more sharp vertical ribs lined with stout, golden-yellow spines 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long, and the crown is capped with yellow wool. Bell-shaped yellow flowers about 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) long open in a ring around the woolly crown in summer, but only on plants that are many years old and at least 14 inches (35 cm) across. Small dry fruits and black seeds follow. Kroenleinia stores water in its body and withstands intense sun and long drought, but it is sensitive to frost and rots in wet or poorly drained soil. The species is endangered in the wild, where much of its habitat was lost to dam construction.
Native Range
Kroenleinia is native to east-central Mexico, where K. grusonii grows on rocky volcanic slopes and in arid scrub in the states of Queretaro and Hidalgo. Much of its limited natural range was flooded by reservoir construction, leaving small, scattered wild populations.Suggested Uses
Kroenleinia is used as a feature plant in cactus and succulent gardens, dry rockeries, and containers, and in frost-free xeriscapes. Its rounded form and golden spines suit gravel plantings and pots on sunny patios. Frost sensitivity and slow growth make it unsuited to cold-winter gardens except as a movable container plant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Bloom Information
Yellow flowers open in summer, mainly from June to August, encircling the crown. Flowering occurs only on large, mature plants and is uncommon on those grown in containers or cooler climates. Each flush lasts a few weeks during warm, bright weather.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants grow in full sun on gritty, sharply drained mineral soil or cactus mix. Water is given regularly through the warm growing season and withheld in winter, when the plant is kept dry and cool. Wet or compacted soil and winter moisture cause root and base rot, the most frequent cause of loss. K. grusonii tolerates heat to well over 100F (38C) but is damaged by frost below about 25F (-4C) and is grown under cover where winters are cold. Growth is slow, with plants taking many years to reach flowering size. A high-mineral, low-nitrogen feed during summer supports steady growth without soft tissue.Pruning
No pruning is needed. Damaged or rotting tissue can be cut away with a clean blade and the cut surface left to dry and callus. Offsets from clustering old plants can be separated and rooted if more plants are wanted.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons