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The Barrel Cactus is not very high-maintenance besides watering. It does not need much pruning, though; you need to watch out in case pests such as scale or mealybugs are nesting between the ribs. Minimal fertilization must be used; one low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer at the end of spring is often adequate to maintain health. The spines are sharp and hooked, and therefore, when repotting or changing the position of the plant, always wear heavy leather gloves or a folded strip of carpet.