---
title: "I inherited this golden barrel cactus earlier this year. How do I…"
description: "I inherited this golden barrel cactus earlier this year. How do I re-pot this sucker without ripping up my hands - any suggestions?"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/H5XVZevGT0aVUccEhOt7Aw"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "SC6114"
published: "2024-09-08T18:16:21.642931Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/dPCACG2IQoMdL-11QLrxl-cVQKwxVdInt426bGLU4xo/siow_62OQgGPJGE8ay-mHA.webp?size=large"
---

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# I inherited this golden barrel cactus earlier this year. How do I…

_Posted by SC6114 on 2024-09-08_

I inherited this golden barrel cactus earlier this year. How do I re-pot this sucker without ripping up my hands - any suggestions?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/dPCACG2IQoMdL-11QLrxl-cVQKwxVdInt426bGLU4xo/siow_62OQgGPJGE8ay-mHA.webp?size=large)

## 10 comments

### Mara commented on 2024-09-08

I use news paper or crumpled packing paper, towels, sometimes safety leather gloves and large chopsticks or tongs to hold the base in place. I definitely protect my hands but I would do the most to protect its spines.

Is it an emergency issue?

#### Mara replied on 2024-09-08

I’m wondering how well rooted it is. Easiest way to protect its roots is to take a hammer to the pot if it isn’t precious to you.

#### SC6114 replied on 2024-09-08

It’s def not an emergency. I’m just curious how to do it when the time comes

#### Mara replied on 2024-09-08

Sounds good. One of my go tos for spiny or larger cacti’s are old towels and a couple pairs of cooking chopsticks but tongs may be easier for some.

I had a large golden barrel years ago that exploded due to constant rain. 🤦🏻‍♀️

#### Bonzoid replied on 2025-07-24

I had one that exploded in the 90’s for the same reason. Not a pretty sight.

### MummaDeb commented on 2024-09-08

Definitely tongs and if it goes to fall or tip over don't instinctually try to catch it. Been there, done that, and ouch.

### Sunny commented on 2024-09-08

Thick oven mitts can help with the repotting.  
I saw my first barrel cactus near Death Valley. It was the size of a foot stool! That was many years ago in my teens. 🏜️🌵

### Heather B commented on 2024-09-08

Thorn proof gloves marketed for roses is what I use.

### Tyler cactus durden commented on 2024-09-09

Thick gardening gloves and some folded cardboard (wrap it around the plant gently. Shouldn’t be as risky as it sounds when you carefully used gloves and cardboard.

### NicTheBucket commented on 2024-09-09

I wrapped a towel around them before I got my cut and puncture proof gloves

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