[1] The golden barrel cactus is a fairly adaptable species, but naturally prefers growing in rich, volcanic (but well-aerated) soil on sunny slopes, where water quickly flees from its roots.

[4] Growing as a large, roughly spherical-globular and generally solitary (although basal shoots may sprout from adult specimens), K. grusonii may eventually reach over 1 metre (3.3 ft) in height, after many years, with a diameter of 40 to 80 centimeters (around 2-3 feet across).

[5] If left undisturbed, flowers eventually become pollinated by nectivorous bats, bees and lepidopterans, and dry into seed pods to be wind- or animal-dispersed.

[citation needed] The golden barrel cactus is considered one of the easiest to care for, and is a relatively fast grower in warmer climates, around the world.

As with most succulents, the golden barrel survives with less water in winter; in nature, it is found on elevated, angled slopes, where precipitation and runoff quickly washes over the roots and leaves the plant; pooling water quickly leads to root rot and eventual death of the entire plant.

Despite being endangered and locally-extinct in its native Central Mexico, K. grusonii may be found in many countries, on several continents, in both non-native wild populations and private and public gardens.

In the UK, the golden barrel cactus has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

[7][8] In the Americas, it is found in various locations, from Mexico south through Chile, and notably throughout the American Southwest and the U.S. West Coast.