Care of the plant Cylindropuntia tunicata or Sheathed 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 tunicata, Cylindropuntia spinosior, Cylindropuntia rosea, Cylindropuntia prolifera, Cylindropuntia imbricata, Cylindropuntia fulgida, Cylindropuntia cholla, Cylindropuntia arbuscula. Common name: Sheathed cholla. This species is native to Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico. They are shrubby cactus with cylindrical green stems that reach 70 cm (2.29 feet) in height; they are covered with white thorns. They produce yellow and green or red flowers. They bloom in spring. They are used in pots and planters, in cactus and succulent gardens, in rockeries, in dry areas of the garden or to form impenetrable informal hedges. In many countries (Europe and Australia) its sale is prohibited as it is considered an invasive plant. Cylindropuntia tunicata needs full sun exposure and high temperatures. They resist occasional frosts. The soil can be a commercial cactus substrate or a mixture of 50% coarse sand and 50% leaf mulch. They are very resistant to drought; water when the soil is completely dry. In winter there is no need to water. Fertilize with cactus fertilizer in spring and summer every 4 weeks. They do not need pruning. They are very resistant plants to pests but can be attacked by fungi if there is an excess of humidity. They are easily propagated by segment cuttings. |
Images of the plant Cylindropuntia tunicata or Sheathed cholla |
 Cylindropuntia tunicata  Cylindropuntia tunicata |