Consulta Plantas

Care of the cacti Miqueliopuntia miquelii or Miquel's cholla

The genus Miqueliopuntia, family Cactaceae, includes a single species of cactus native to Chile.

Common name: Miquel's cholla.

Miqueliopuntia miquelii is a highly branched, shrubby cactus that reaches 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height and 5 meters (16.4 feet) in width. The cylindrical segments are green when young and turn bluish with age; these segments are furrowed with elongated tubercles. It has brown glochids in the circular areoles and 8-16 whitish spines up to 10 cm long. The large 8 cm (3.14") flowers can be white or pink. They can take more than 10 years to bloom. The spiny fruits are white or light green.

Miquel's cholla is used in rockeries, in cactus and succulent gardens, on dry, sunny slopes, and in pots for patios and terraces.

Miqueliopuntia miquelii requires full sun exposure and a warm, dry climate. It withstands light frosts.

The soil can be a well-drained commercial cactus substrate with plenty of coarse sand or perlite.

Always water moderately, waiting until the substrate has completely dried. Do not water in winter.

Miquel's cholla does not require fertilizer.

Prunes dry segments.

Miqueliopuntia miquelii is resistant to common pests and diseases but sensitive to excess moisture.

Miquel's cholla is easily propagated by segment cuttings in spring or summer.

Images of the cacti Miqueliopuntia miquelii or Miquel's cholla