At Cactus Warehouse, we take pride in shipping the healthiest, hand-selected cacti straight from our nursery in Fallbrook, CA. All our cacti are hardgrown and carefully checked to ensure you get the best. Shipping Schedule: We ship orders every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Shipping Rates: None Delivery Time: Most orders arrive in 3-5 business days after they are shipped. Carriers: We ship via UPS and USPS, and you’ll get a tracking number once your order ships. Safe Packaging: We use high-quality craft paper to protect your cacti and minimize movement. Heat packs are included during cold seasons to keep your cacti safe. Care Instructions: Every package includes easy-to-follow care instructions. If you have any questions, email us at info@cactuswarehouse.com —we’re happy to help!

Cholla Cactus Cylindropuntia cholla

Q: Cactus Features

Growth Habit: Fast-growing shrubby cactus with upright, jointed stems; typically 3–8 ft. tall, larger in ideal conditions outdoors Bloom Season: Late spring to summer; produces small, waxy flowers in shades of pink, purple, or yellow depending on variety Dormancy: Winter Sun Exposure: Needs full sun outdoors; bright light or grow lights indoors Soil Needs: Well-draining cactus mix; amend with sand, pumice, or perlite Hardiness Zones: USDA 8–11; protect from frost and freezing temperatures Native To: Southwestern United States & Northern Mexico

$10.96

Size

2" pot

Product variants

Hand-picked, packed, and shipped on Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays

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Description

The Cholla Cactus (Cylindropuntia cholla) is a rugged desert beauty known for its distinctive jointed stems, covered in sharp spines that shimmer in the sunlight. With its hardy nature, the Cholla makes a statement in any xeriscape, desert-themed garden, or large container.

Native to the American Southwest, this cactus thrives in hot, dry climates and requires little maintenance once established. It’s a favorite for desert landscaping projects where you want to create a natural, authentic desert feel.

Please note: We offer both cuttings (unrooted pieces that will root over time) and bare-root plants (already rooted, but shipped without soil or pot). Some plants may have minor scars, which are totally normal. Any discoloration at the base especially on rooted plants is from previous healthy growth in soil and is not a sign of damage. Every plant is hand-picked and guaranteed to arrive healthy.

Product Details

Cactus Features

Growth Habit: Fast-growing shrubby cactus with upright, jointed stems; typically 3–8 ft. tall, larger in ideal conditions outdoors
Bloom Season: Late spring to summer; produces small, waxy flowers in shades of pink, purple, or yellow depending on variety
Dormancy: Winter
Sun Exposure: Needs full sun outdoors; bright light or grow lights indoors
Soil Needs: Well-draining cactus mix; amend with sand, pumice, or perlite
Hardiness Zones: USDA 8–11; protect from frost and freezing temperatures
Native To: Southwestern United States & Northern Mexico

Cactus Care & FAQs

Your Cholla ships bare root (no soil). Open the box carefully—its spines are barbed and can stick easily, so sturdy gloves are recommended. Remove the packing material and place your cactus in a bright, shaded spot for 2–3 days. This rest period allows it to recover from transit.

Why wait before planting?

Shipping can stress a cactus. A short pause lets the plant acclimate, and allows any tiny root wounds to callous over, preventing rot once it’s placed in soil. Wait at least a week before potting or planting. If weather is cold, you can wait longer.

Potting or planting outdoors

Pot: Choose a sturdy terracotta or ceramic pot with good drainage.
Soil: Use a fast-draining cactus/succulent mix. Add extra sand or pumice if you live in a humid area.
Landscape: In USDA zones 8–11, Cholla thrives in full sun with well-draining soil. Avoid walkways, since spines can detach easily and stick to pets or clothing.

Indoor growing

Place in the brightest window available (south or west-facing is best). If natural light is limited, supplement with strong grow lights. Growth indoors is slower and the plant may lean toward the light source.

Watering

Warm season: Water deeply, then allow the soil to fully dry before watering again.
Cool/dormant season: Water very little, if at all.

Fertilizer

Not required, but a diluted cactus fertilizer in spring and summer can encourage growth. Do not fertilize in winter.

Common Questions

Does it grow fast?

Yes, Cholla is a relatively fast-growing cactus. In the ground with full sun, it can grow 1–2 ft. per year.

Will it flower?

Yes, mature plants bloom in late spring or summer with small, colorful flowers, though indoor plants rarely flower.

Can I prune it?

Yes. Trimming stems will encourage branching. Handle with extreme care, as spines are barbed and detach easily.

Any pests?

Cholla may get mealybugs or scale. Treat early with rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap.

Reassurance

Cholla is one of the hardiest desert cacti. Even if it looks stressed after shipping, it will bounce back quickly with sun, well-draining soil, and patience.

USDA Zone: 8–11 (down to ~15–20°F with protection)

USDA Zone

USDA 8–11; protect from frost and freezing temperatures

Shipping Information

At Cactus Warehouse, we take pride in shipping the healthiest, hand-selected cacti straight from our nursery in Fallbrook, CA. All our cacti are hardgrown and carefully checked to ensure you get the best.

Shipping Schedule: We ship orders every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Shipping Rates: None
Delivery Time: Most orders arrive in 3-5 business days after they are shipped.
Carriers: We ship via UPS and USPS, and you’ll get a tracking number once your order ships.
Safe Packaging: We use high-quality craft paper to protect your cacti and minimize movement. Heat packs are included during cold seasons to keep your cacti safe.
Care Instructions: Every package includes easy-to-follow care instructions.

If you have any questions, email us at info@cactuswarehouse.com—we’re happy to help!

Plants Picked With Love

Hi, we're Lisa and Takashi! We started Cactus Warehouse because we care about creating a great experience for people like you.

We know how important it is to get a cactus that's healthy and ready to thrive. Thats's why we take the time to choose and pack each plant with care, making sure it arrives in perfect shape.

When you shop with us, you're supporting a small business that truly cares about its customers. Thank you for trusting us to bring something special into your home!