Care of the cacti Cylindropuntia prolifera or Coast cholla |
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The genus Cylindropuntia, family Cactaceae, includes 35 species of cacti native to Mexico and the USA. Some species are: Cylindropuntia prolifera, Cylindropuntia imbricata, Cylindropuntia rosea, Cylindropuntia spinosior, Cylindropuntia tunicata, Cylindropuntia cholla, Cylindropuntia fulgida, Cylindropuntia arbuscula. Common names: Coast cholla, Coastal cholla, Jumping Cholla. This species is native to California (USA), Chihuahua and Baja California (México). They are branched cacti of shrub or arboreal bearing that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. They have cylindrical greenish-gray segments 15 cm (5.9") in length and numerous downward-pointing spines. The flowers are magenta or pink in color and produce fleshy fruits. They bloom in early summer. They are used in pots or in gardens of cacti and succulents, in rockery or in very dry and sunny areas of the garden in small groups. In some European countries it is considered an invasive plant. Cylindropuntia prolifera needs full sun exposure and warm temperatures. It should not be exposed to temperatures below 5 ºC (41 ºF). The soil can be a mixture, in equal parts, of leaf mulch and coarse sand. Water moderately waiting until the soil has dried; it is a very resistant plant to drought. It's important not to water in winter. Fertilize with cactus fertilizer every 3 weeks in spring and summer. They do not need pruning. These plants are very resistant to pests but are sensitive to excess moisture. They are easily propagated by segment cuttings. |
Images of the cacti Cylindropuntia prolifera or Coast cholla |
 Cylindropuntia prolifera  Cylindropuntia prolifera |