Cylindropuntia prolifera aka Coastal Cholla

Cylindropuntia prolifera is a shrubby cactus in the Cactaceae family. Its native range runs from southern California into Mexico. This includes Baja California, Guadalupe, and Sonora. It grows in desert and dry shrubland habitats. The older name Opuntia prolifera is a synonym. This evergreen succulent forms a bush with many branches.

In cultivation, plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet (0.5–1 m) tall. Their spread is about 0.3–1.6 feet (0.1–0.5 m). The RHS gives a taller native height of 6.6 feet (2 m). Virginia Tech reports shrubs reaching 8 feet (2.4 m). Plants take 10–20 years to reach their mature size. Thick, round stem segments make up the branches. Each segment can reach 0.7 feet (0.2 m) long. Stems range from blue-green to yellow-green. Older bark turns brown-black and becomes rough and scaly.

The stems carry dense groups of stiff spines at distinct areoles. Each areole holds six to twelve spines with shiny sheaths. Their shades range from pale yellow-brown to brown. Mature plants bear pink, red, or purple-red flowers. Virginia Tech gives April to June as the flowering season. The RHS places flowering in summer. Fleshy green fruits follow the blooms. They range from pear-shaped to almost round and lack spines. The fruits are usually sterile. A fruit may flower again the next year, forming fruit clusters.

Give this cactus full sun in a sheltered spot. Under glass, full light or bright filtered light suits it. Use cactus compost or well-drained sandy or loamy soil. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. Water well from early spring until mid-autumn. Keep it dry through the rest of the year. The RHS recommends three or four balanced liquid feeds during growth. Its H1C rating allows summer outdoor growing in the UK. That rating covers minimum temperatures of 41–50°F (5–10°C).

The RHS lists it for pots, patios, greenhouses, and conservatories. It also suits growing as a houseplant under suitable light. Its branching stems and dense spines give it a bold form. No pruning is needed. Detached stem segments can root to make new plants. Watch for scale insects and mealybugs. The RHS reports few disease problems. The supplied sources give no evidence of edible uses or toxicity.