Contents
Description
Cylindropuntia Spinosior, commonly known as the Cholla Cactus, is a species of cactus native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a member of the Cactaceae family and is known for its unique appearance and sharp spines.The Cholla Cactus typically grows to a height of 3-5 feet and can spread up to 6 feet wide. It has a cylindrical stem with a greenish-brown color and grows in a branching pattern. The stem is covered in spines that can grow up to 2 inches long and can cause great pain if touched.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Cylindropuntia |
Appearance
The Cholla Cactus has a unique appearance with its cylindrical stem covered in long spines. The stem is typically greenish-brown in color and can grow up to 5 feet tall. The stem grows in a branching pattern, creating a bushy appearance. The spines of the Cholla Cactus are long and thin, growing up to 2 inches long. The spines are sharp and can easily stick to clothing or skin, causing great pain if not removed properly.
Care Guide
The Cholla Cactus is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care. Here are some tips for caring for your Cholla Cactus:- Water: The Cholla Cactus is drought-tolerant and does not require much water. Water the plant deeply once every few weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.- Fertilization: The Cholla Cactus does not require fertilizer, but you can use a cactus-specific fertilizer once a year in the spring if desired.- Soil: The Cholla Cactus prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Use cactus soil or a mixture of sand, perlite, and peat moss.- Sunlight: The Cholla Cactus prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The Cholla Cactus is hardy in USDA zones 8a-11b.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Cholla Cactus is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but there are a few things to watch out for:- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects that suck sap from the plant. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the plant, causing it to wilt and discolor. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and die. It can be caused by overwatering or poorly-draining soil. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and allow it to dry out completely between waterings.
Habitat
The Cholla Cactus is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It grows in desert habitats and can be found in rocky or sandy soils. It is often used as a landscaping plant in arid regions.
Question and Answer
Q: Are Cholla Cacti dangerous to humans?
A: Yes, the spines of the Cholla Cactus can cause great pain if touched. They can easily stick to clothing or skin and are difficult to remove.
Q: How often should I water my Cholla Cactus?
A: Water the Cholla Cactus deeply once every few weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Q: Can Cholla Cacti be grown indoors?
A: While it is possible to grow a Cholla Cactus indoors, it is not recommended. The plant prefers full sun and can grow quite large, making it difficult to keep indoors.
Q: How long do Cholla Cacti live?
A: Cholla Cacti can live for several decades with proper care.
Related Plants
– Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea)- Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus spp.)- Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia spp.)- Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia)
References
– “Cylindropuntia spinosior.” DesertUSA, www.desertusa.com/flora/cylindropuntia-spinosior.html.- “Cholla Cactus Care: How to Grow a Cholla Cactus.” Gardening Know How, 8 Mar. 2021, www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/cholla-cactus/cholla-cactus-care.htm.- “Cylindropuntia spinosior.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 20 Mar. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cylindropuntia_spinosior.
