Consulta Plantas

Care of the cactus Tephrocactus articulatus or Paper Spine Cactus

The genus Tephrocactus, family Cactaceae, comprises 15 species of cactus native to Argentina. Some species are: Tephrocactus articulatus, Tephrocactus alexanderi, Tephrocactus weberi, Tephrocactus geometricus.

Common names: Paper Spine Cactus, Paper Spine Cholla Cactus. Scientific synonyms: Opuntia articulata, Tephrocactus papyracanthus, Tephrocactus diadematus. This species is native to Western Argentina.

They are small cacti with a shrubby bearing and grayish-green epidermis that reach 40 cm (15.7") in height. The segments have an elongated globose shape and detach easily by rooting next to the mother plant. There are dark glochids on the areolas and long white or gray spines that are papery and do not puncture may appear (not always). The flowers are 4.5 cm (1.77") in diameter and can be white, yellow or pink.

These slow-growing cacti are used in rockery in Mediterranean climate gardens (not by the sea), in pots and planters for patios, terraces, balconies, and as houseplants by a window.

Opuntia articulata needs full sun or light shade exposure. They resist occasional frosts if the soil is dry.

The soil can be a commercial cactus substrate with 20% coarse siliceous sand.

Always water moderately, waiting for the ground to be completely dry. In winter they should not be watered as they come to rest.

Fertilize once in spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti.

They do not need pruning.

The worst enemy of these plants is excess watering or humidity.

They are easily propagated by rooting segments that the plant usually does by itself.

Images of the cactus Tephrocactus articulatus or Paper Spine Cactus