Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Barrel Cactus

Barrel Cactus is clearly a great plant — I can see that from other people's results. Mine has been decent but not spectacular, and I think I know why.

I underestimated the importance of using pure mineral grit for drainage in the soil mix in the early stages and paid for it. root rot from any waterlogging in winter also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in a grouped desert landscape display which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. architectural sculptural form that needs no flowers to impress is visible but muted. complete dormancy in winter with no watering gave me hope — there are glimpses of what it could be. Three stars for now with potential for four.