Frozen Golden Barrel: Remove Dead Tissue After Frost Danger Passes

Timing

Wait until all frost risk passes (spring). Dead tissue insulates live tissue below.

Procedure

1. Remove spines from rotted area (pliers, thick gloves).
2. Cut away all soft, brown/black tissue until only hard green remains.
3. Dust with sulfur.
4. Let air-dry; do not water until new growth appears.

Prognosis

Guarded. Barrels (Echinocactus) often die from unilateral freeze damage. Rot spreads internally.

Prevention

• Frost cloth + stake frame (don't touch plant).
• Incandescent bulb under cloth for heat.
• Container: move indoors.

Act fast in spring; delay increases rot spread.