Cylindropuntia Cholla Cholla Cactus

Growth Habit
Branching, upright cylindrical joints that stack and spread into a sculptural form.

Bloom Season
Late spring to summer, depending on variety and climate.

Dormancy
Winter dormant; growth slows as temperatures drop.

Sun Exposure
Full sun; needs strong light to maintain shape and color.

Soil Needs
Fast-draining cactus mix with plenty of grit or pumice.

Hardiness Zones
Typically hardy in Zones 8–11.

Native To
The deserts of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico.

Light

Give your Cholla as much sun as possible. Outdoors, full sun is ideal. Indoors, place it directly in front of a south-facing window. If it starts stretching, it needs more light.

Water

Let the soil dry out completely before watering. When you do water, give it a deep soak and let all excess drain away. In winter, water very lightly and far less often.

Soil

Use a fast-draining cactus mix with extra pumice, perlite, or grit. Chollas hate sitting in wet soil.

Temperature

They thrive in heat and dry air. Outdoors they can handle high temps and, depending on the species, light frost. Indoors, keep them away from cold drafts.

Fertilizer

Optional. If you want faster growth, use a diluted cactus fertilizer once a month during spring and summer. Skip feeding in fall and winter.

Potting

Choose a pot with a drainage hole. Go just slightly wider than the root ball. Keep the plant upright and stable. Repot every 2–3 years or when it becomes root-bound.

Pests

Watch for mealybugs or scale. If they appear, wipe with alcohol or use an insecticidal soap. Healthy Chollas rarely have pest issues.

General Tips

• Handle with gloves or tongs

• Rotate occasionally if indoors to keep growth symmetrical

• The more sun it gets, the tighter and cleaner the growth

Is this Cholla safe to handle?
Chollas have very sharp, hooked spines, so always handle with thick gloves or tongs. Once planted, they’re easy to care for and don’t require frequent handling.

Can I grow it indoors?
Yes, as long as it gets strong light. Place it right by a south-facing window. If it starts stretching or leaning, it needs more sun.

How fast does a Cholla grow?
They’re moderate to fast growers in full sun. With time, they can form tall, branching shapes several feet high.

How often should I water it?
Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the only real way to harm a Cholla. In winter, water very sparingly.

Does it bloom?
Yes. Chollas produce colorful cup-shaped flowers in late spring or summer. The color depends on the species.

Can it live outside year-round?
If you’re in Zones 8–11, absolutely. It loves heat, sun, and dry conditions. In colder zones, keep it in a pot and bring it inside for winter.

Will it get too big?
Chollas can get large over many years, but growth is manageable in pots. If you want a smaller shape, you can prune it carefully with gloves and tongs.

Does this cactus have natural scarring?
Yes. Chollas often show marks or scarring from sun, wind, or growth. These are normal and part of the plant’s rugged look.

What soil should I use?
A gritty, fast-draining cactus mix with extra pumice or perlite. Avoid rich, moisture-heavy soils.

Is it pet safe?
Chollas are not toxic, but the spines can harm pets. Keep it in a spot where curious animals can’t bump into it.