Consulta Plantas

Care of the cacti Cylindropuntia imbricata or Tree cholla

The genus Cylindropuntia, family Cactaceae, includes 35 species of cacti native to Mexico and the USA. Some species are: Cylindropuntia imbricata, Cylindropuntia rosea, Cylindropuntia prolifera, Cylindropuntia spinosior, Cylindropuntia tunicata, Cylindropuntia cholla, Cylindropuntia fulgida, Cylindropuntia arbuscula.

Common names: Tree cholla, Cane cholla, Walking stick cholla, Chainlink cactus. This species is native to northern Mexico and southwestern United States.

They are branched cacti with cylindrical stems full of whitish spines 2.5 cm (0.98") long. They acquire an arboreal bearing and reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. They produce attractive red or pink flowers. They bloom from late spring to early summer.

Tree cholla is used in cactus and succulent gardens, on rockeries, in very dry and sunny areas of the garden or to form impenetrable barriers. In Spain it is considered an invasive plant so its commercialization is prohibited.

Cylindropuntia imbricata needs full sun exposure and high temperatures. In winter it is better that the temperature does not drop below 5 ºC (41 ºF).

The soil can be a commercial cactus substrate or a mixture, in equal parts, of coarse sand and leaf mulch.

Cane cholla is a very resistant plant to drought; water moderately waiting for the soil to dry out. In winter don't need to water.

Fertilize in spring and summer with cactus fertilizer every 21 days.

Walking stick cholla does not need pruning.

Cylindropuntia imbricata is a very resistant plant to pests but can be attacked by fungi if there is an excess of humidity.

Chainlink cactus propagates by segment cuttings that root easily but must be handled with great care for its abundant spines.

Images of the cacti Cylindropuntia imbricata or Tree cholla