Cylindropuntia spinosior aka Cane Cholla

Cylindropuntia spinosior is an easy-care cactus that thrives on neglect once established. As a native desert species adapted to extreme heat, drought, and poor soils, it requires minimal attention. The main considerations are providing full sun, excellent drainage, and avoiding overwatering. Its good frost tolerance (hardy to USDA zone 8) makes it more versatile than many cacti. Handle with care due to the sharp spines.

Cylindropuntia spinosior is highly drought-tolerant and needs very infrequent watering. In its native desert habitat, it survives on minimal rainfall. When cultivated, allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. During the growing season (spring-summer), water sparingly every 2-4 weeks depending on conditions. In winter, reduce watering significantly or withhold entirely. Overwatering is the most common cause of problems with this species.

Cylindropuntia spinosior requires well-draining sandy or loamy soil similar to its native desert habitat. A cactus or succulent potting mix works well, or create your own by mixing regular potting soil with generous amounts of coarse sand, perlite, or pumice. The species naturally grows in sandy to loamy soils at elevations from 1,000 to 6,500 feet. Poor drainage leading to root rot is the main soil-related problem to avoid.

Cylindropuntia spinosior requires full sun exposure to thrive. In its native Sonoran and Chihuahuan desert habitats, it grows in open areas without shade. Provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient light will result in etiolated (stretched) growth and reduced flowering. This species is not suitable for low-light conditions or indoor cultivation.

Cylindropuntia spinosior prefers low humidity conditions typical of its native desert environment. It is well-adapted to arid climates and does not require any humidity supplementation. In fact, high humidity combined with poor air circulation can promote fungal problems. If growing in more humid climates, ensure excellent drainage and air flow around the plant.

Cylindropuntia spinosior has minimal fertilizer requirements, thriving in the nutrient-poor soils of its native desert habitat. If desired, apply a diluted cactus fertilizer once or twice during the growing season (spring to early summer). Use a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus formula at half the recommended strength. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant is dormant. Over-fertilizing can cause weak, leggy growth.

Cylindropuntia spinosior has excellent temperature tolerance for a cactus. It handles extreme desert heat well and is notably frost-tolerant, growing at elevations over 6,500 feet where winter freezes occur. The species is hardy to USDA zones 8-11, tolerating temperatures down to about -12°C (10°F). During winter or drought stress, the stems characteristically turn purple, which is a normal adaptation rather than a sign of damage.

Cylindropuntia spinosior propagates easily from stem cuttings. Using thick gloves or tongs to avoid the spines, cut or break off a stem segment and allow it to dry for several days until a callus forms over the cut end. Plant the callused cutting in well-draining cactus soil, keeping it upright and barely watering until roots establish. The species can also propagate naturally when detached segments fall to the ground and root where they land.

Cylindropuntia spinosior develops into a shrubby to tree-like cactus, typically reaching 1.2 to 2.4 meters (4 to 8 feet) tall with a spread of about 1.2 meters (4 feet). It has a slow growth rate typical of desert cacti. The plant develops a woody central trunk with multiple branches that grow more upright than sprawling. Individual stem segments measure 5-50 cm long and over 2.5 cm in diameter, covered with clusters of 6-18 whitish spines per areole.

Cylindropuntia spinosior is best suited for outdoor cultivation in USDA zones 8-11. It thrives in hot, dry climates similar to its native Sonoran and Chihuahuan desert habitats. The species requires full sun, excellent drainage, and minimal water. Its good frost tolerance allows outdoor growing in areas where temperatures occasionally drop to -12°C (10°F). In its native Arizona, it is a protected species requiring salvage permits for collection.

Cylindropuntia spinosior is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. In the US, it occurs in Arizona (particularly central and southeastern regions) and western New Mexico. In Mexico, it grows in the states of Sonora and Chihuahua. The species inhabits desert grasslands, plains, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and Sonoran Desert flats at elevations from 300 to 2,000 meters (1,000 to 6,500 feet). Outside its native range, it has become naturalized and is considered a noxious weed in parts of Australia.

Cylindropuntia spinosior produces showy, bowl-shaped flowers up to 7.5 cm (3 inches) across from April through August. The flowers display remarkable color variation including magenta-pink (most common), rose-purple, red, bronze-purple, orange, yellow, and occasionally white or greenish-yellow. The blooms feature pale yellow anthers and white, pink, or magenta styles. Following pollination, distinctive spineless, bright yellow fruits develop that are strongly tuberculate (bumpy) and persist on the plant until the following spring.

Cylindropuntia spinosior is pollinated primarily by insects, especially bees attracted to the showy, colorful flowers. The bright magenta, pink, yellow, and red flower colors and prominent pollen-laden anthers are typical adaptations for insect pollination. Bees visit the flowers to collect pollen, transferring it between plants in the process. The species is known to hybridize with other Cylindropuntia species where their ranges overlap, indicating effective cross-pollination.

Cylindropuntia spinosior is relatively pest and disease resistant when grown in appropriate conditions. The main problems arise from overwatering, which can cause root rot and bacterial soft rot. Scale insects and mealybugs may occasionally infest the stems but are rarely serious. Cochineal scale (a white, cottony insect) can affect cholla cacti but is typically more cosmetic than harmful. Ensure good drainage and air circulation to prevent fungal issues. The sharp spines provide natural protection against most herbivores.

Cylindropuntia spinosior rarely requires pruning, but segments can be removed to control size or shape. Always wear thick leather gloves and use long-handled tongs when working with this spiny cactus. Cut or twist off stem segments at the joints where they connect. Removed segments can be propagated into new plants. Dead or damaged segments should be removed to maintain plant health. The best time to prune is during the active growing season in spring or early summer.

In spring and summer, Cylindropuntia spinosior enters active growth and may produce flowers from April through August. Water sparingly during this period and apply diluted fertilizer if desired. In fall, reduce watering as growth slows. During winter dormancy, withhold water almost entirely and expect the stems to turn purple - this is a normal stress response, not damage. The purple coloration reverses when warmer weather returns. Protect from prolonged freezes below -12°C (10°F) even though the species has good frost tolerance.

Yes, Cylindropuntia spinosior has edible parts that were traditionally important to indigenous peoples of the Southwest. The immature flower buds, ripe yellow fruits, and young stem joints are all edible. The Tohono O'odham (Papago) considered pit-roasted cholla buds a staple food. Fruits can be eaten raw, stewed, or dried and ground into flour. Use thick gloves or tongs when harvesting to avoid the spines and glochids. Excessive consumption of raw material may cause mild stomach upset. The cane cholla variety is noted for having easily de-thorned buds.

Cylindropuntia spinosior is valued for its decorative woody skeleton. When the plant dies, the outer flesh decomposes to reveal an attractive cylindrical wooden framework with a distinctive lattice pattern of holes. This skeletal wood is widely used to craft walking sticks, canes, lamp bases, picture frames, and other decorative items - hence the common name 'Walkingstick Cactus'. The plant also provides important ecological value, with its dense spiny branches offering nesting habitat for birds. PFAF rates its other uses value at 4 out of 5.