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Care of the plant Cylindropuntia prolifera or Coast cholla.

Care of the cacti Cylindropuntia prolifera or Coast cholla

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

Common names: Coast cholla, Coastal cholla, Jumping Cholla. This species is native to California (USA), Chihuahua and Baja California (México).

They are branched cacti of shrub or arboreal bearing that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. They have cylindrical greenish-gray segments 15 cm (5.9") in length and numerous downward-pointing spines. The flowers are magenta or pink in color and produce fleshy fruits. They bloom in early summer.

Coast cholla is used in pots or in gardens of cacti and succulents, in rockery or in very dry and sunny areas of the garden in small groups. In some European countries it is considered an invasive plant.

Cylindropuntia prolifera needs full sun exposure and warm temperatures. It should not be exposed to temperatures below 5 ºC (41 ºF).

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

Water moderately waiting until the soil has dried; it is a very resistant plant to drought. It's important not to water in winter.

Fertilize with cactus fertilizer every 3 weeks in spring and summer.

Coastal cholla does not need pruning.

Cylindropuntia prolifera is very resistant to pests but is sensitive to excess moisture.

Jumping Cholla is easily propagated by segment cuttings.

Images of the cacti Cylindropuntia prolifera or Coast cholla

Cylindropuntia prolifera
Cylindropuntia prolifera