Honest review: Golden Barrel is rewarding but spider mites in warm dry indoor conditions is real

Golden Barrel is a genuinely satisfying plant to grow, but I want to be upfront about one thing: spider mites in warm dry indoor conditions. I've dealt with it twice now and it takes consistent attention to manage.

Beyond that, spectacular but brief blooms that can appear overnight makes it one of my favourites in the collection. I keep it in a grouped desert landscape display which suits it well. Learning about using pure mineral grit for drainage in the soil mix has been essential. rapid growth during the warm summer months is worth waiting for — the plant really justifies itself then. Four stars because of that persistent issue.