Echinocactus Grusonii

My golden barrel has gone crazy! Described its’growth’ to. Local garden expert and was told it was stressed and probably dying but it looks great (to me) any ideas or suggestions? #cactus #goldenbarrelcactus #succulentgarden

You can remove the little pups and root them separately.

@lovestogarden that s what I had discovered from my research but the info from our local ‘expert’ said our plant was dying and basically to give up! Unsure what to do! If I propagate by removing ‘pups’ will my main plant survive? There are about 30 ‘pups’- pretty sure I can remove them but worried about mumma!

If she is going to die, no harm no foul. I do not know why they said she was dying, but I am no expert. I would get a second opinion and or try removing pups. The decision is yours. Maybe @cactiluke @cactusboy123 @cactusdrop @cactusnut @cactapuss might be able to shed some light on this. I am curious too. ❤

Thankyou @lovestogarden will hunt out an expert for advice before I proceed! Will keep u informed!

Much appreciated! ❤

It looks fine. I can't see it's bottom, but might be a bit crowded from surrounding plants roots. When you get lots of growth on an area like that it's usually because it was damaged, such as taking pups, getting scratched, sunburn or frost burnt. The cactus responds by creating new growth on the affected area. If there is no rot anywhere, give it a poke, then it should be fine. To me it looks quite healthy, but it is hard to tell from photos sometimes. Let us know if you have any questions.

Thanks @cactusnut - thought I had replied last week but must not have sent it! Yes it seems v healthy- no rot! Plan to wait til spring then amputate pups and propogate and see what happens- wish me luck!

Great plan and good luck.