Care of the cacti Cylindropuntia spinosior or Spiny 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 spinosior, Cylindropuntia rosea, Cylindropuntia prolifera, Cylindropuntia imbricata, Cylindropuntia tunicata, Cylindropuntia arbuscula, Cylindropuntia cholla, Cylindropuntia fulgida. Common names: Spiny cholla, Walkingstick cactus, Cane cholla. This species is native to New Mexico and Arizona (USA). They are branched cacti with dark green segments that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. Instead of ribs they have tubers up to 1.2 cm (0.47") in length. The spines are abundant (up to 30 per areola) and the glochids are cream-colored. They produce 5 cm (1.96") diameter flowers that can be red, purple, white or yellow. They bloom during the summer. They are used in pots, in rockeries, as isolated specimens or in cactus and succulent gardens. Cylindropuntia spinosior prefers full sun exposure and high temperatures. They do not resist the cold below 5 ºC (41 ºF). The soil can be a mixture of 50% leaf mulch and 50% coarse siliceous sand. The most important thing is that the drainage is excellent. Water moderately, waiting for the soil to be dry. In winter do not water. Fertilize in early spring with mineral cactus fertilizer. Prune dry segments when flowering ends. They are plants resistant to pests and diseases but are sensitive to excess moisture. They propagate by seeds sown in spring previously soaked in warm water for two days; They also reproduce by segment cuttings. |
Images of the cacti Cylindropuntia spinosior or Spiny cholla |
 Cylindropuntia spinosior  Cylindropuntia spinosior  Cylindropuntia spinosior |