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types of cholla cactus

types of cholla cactus Buy 'Cholla Cactus - Cylindropuntia imbricata' Online

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Description

types of cholla cactus Buy 'Cholla Cactus - Cylindropuntia imbricata' OnlineThe Cholla cactus, known as Cylindropuntia imbricata, has a unique trick where its stems attach to passersby at the slightest touch, resembling a jump. Although they can't jump, caution should be exercised around them. Native to the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico, the Cylindropuntia cholla has several other common names, such as the jumping cholla, the chain link cholla, and chollas. The jumping cholla cactus has unique cylindrical

The Cholla cactus, known as Cylindropuntia imbricata, has a unique trick where its stems attach to passersby at the slightest touch, resembling a jump. Although they can't jump, caution should be exercised around them. 

Native to the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico, the Cylindropuntia cholla has several other common names, such as the jumping cholla, the chain link cholla, and chollas. 

The jumping cholla cactus has unique cylindrical spiny joints or segmented-shaped stems covered in sharp spines that serve as a defense mechanism.

These spines can vary in color, ranging from golden to reddish-brown, and they add to the distinctive appearance of the cholla cactus. 

As your Cholla jumping cactus matures, its stems can grow to various sizes, reaching heights of a few feet to up to 15 feet tall. The stems can also spread out, creating a bushy and visually striking plant. 

The Cholla cactus flowers typically bloom during spring and summer in vibrant colors, ranging from shades of white, pink, green, red, and even yellow. These cup-shaped flowers emerge from the spiny stems of the cactus, creating a beautiful contrast between the soft petals and the sharp thorns.

The flowers often open up during the day and close at night, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It's truly a magical experience to witness the cholla cactus burst into a display of colorful blooms. 

When and How to Water Your Cholla Cactus 

When it comes to watering the Chollas, it's important to follow the "soak and dry" method. This means giving your Cholla cactus a good watering until water drains out of the bottom of the pot and then allowing the soil to dry out completely before watering again. The Cholla cactus prefers watering once every 1-2 weeks during the active growing period, and once every 4-6 weeks in the dormant season.

In spring and summer, during the active growing season, the cholla cactus will appreciate more frequent watering. You can water it every 1-2 weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity levels in your area. 

In fall and winter, during the dormant period, it's best to reduce watering to once every 4-6 weeks, as the cactus requires less moisture during this time. 

Remember, overwatering can be harmful to the Cylindropuntia imbricata cactus. Signs of overwatering include yellowing or wilting of the stems, soft and mushy roots, or the presence of mold or fungus on the soil surface. To prevent these issues, make sure to allow the soil to dry out between waterings and avoid leaving your summer grower cactus sitting in standing water. 

Light Requirements - Where to Place Your Cholla Cactus 

When growing your cholla cactus indoors, place it near a south-facing window where it can receive plenty of sunlight throughout the day.

If a south-facing window is not available, you can also use artificial grow lights to supplement the light requirements. 

When grown outdoors, find a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of full sunlight daily. This could be a sunny patio, balcony, or garden area.

Just make sure to protect the cholla cactus gardens from intense afternoon sun, especially during the hot summer months, as it can scorch the plant.

If you live in a region with harsh winters, it's advisable to bring the cholla cactus indoors or provide some protection during freezing temperatures. 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer 

The cholla cactus prefers well-draining soil and should be fertilized once a year in the spring. You can also add some small rocks or gravel at the bottom of the pot to enhance drainage. Ideally, you want to use our specialized cactus potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your cactus to thrive. 

 It's best to fertilize your cholla cactus sparingly, about once a year, during the active growing season in the spring. A balanced (5-10-5), water-soluble fertilizer with a low nitrogen content is recommended. Follow the instructions for the correct dilution ratio and apply it to the soil around the base of the Cylindropuntia cactus. 

Remember, it's important not to over-fertilize the cholla cactus, as this can lead to excessive growth and weak stems. If you notice any signs of nutrient deficiency, such as pale or yellowing stems, you can increase the frequency of fertilization slightly. Always err on the side of caution and monitor the Cholla plant's response to the fertilizer. 

Hardiness Zone & More 

For outdoor cultivation, the cholla cactus typically thrives in USDA zones 8 to 10. These zones are characterized by mild winters and hot summers.

The Cholla cactus is not a very frost-resistant cactus, hardy to 28° F (or less if very dry). However, indoors, it is better not to expose it to temperatures lower than 32° F. 

Remember, the cholla cactus is a tough and resilient plant that can adapt to various conditions, but it's always best to provide it with an environment that closely resembles its natural habitat. 

How to Grow the Best Cholla Cactus Indoors

If you are growing your Cylindropuntia imbricata cactus indoors, it generally thrives in average room temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F. However, these jumping chollas can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, down to 20°F during their dormant period in the fall and winter. It is one of those heat-tolerant cholla cacti and is well-suited to desert-like conditions with temperatures ranging from 80°F to 100°F.

It prefers low humidity, so normal indoor air is fine, and avoid excessive dryness from winter heating.

Wildlife - Cholla Cactus Attracts the Following Friendly Pollinators

The Cholla Cactus is known to attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These pollinators play a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping to fertilize plants and promote biodiversity.

Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Lady Bugs
Multi Pollinators
Other Birds

According to ASPCA, the Cylindropuntia imbricata, is generally not considered toxic to humans and pets. However, it's always a good idea to exercise caution when handling any cactus plant with spines or thorns. So, it's best to avoid touching or brushing against the spines to prevent any potential irritation.

How to Propagate Your Cholla Cactus 

Propagating Cylindropuntia imbricata is best done with stem cuttings. Use a clean knife to remove a healthy segment, then let it dry and callus for several days to prevent rot. Plant the cutting in a well-draining cactus mix, inserting the calloused end into the soil. Place it in a warm, bright location with indirect light and water sparingly until roots form. Over time, the cutting will establish itself as a new cactus.

Key Takeaways

  1. The spiny segments of cholla cactus detach easily and cling to passersby, earning it the nickname “jumping cholla.”
  2. Native people and early settlers often planted it as a natural barrier thanks to its dense, thorny growth.
  3. In late spring to summer, the cholla cactus produces striking magenta to purple flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.
  4. Unlike many desert cacti, it can survive temperatures as low as 20°F, making it more resilient than expected.

The Bottom Line 

Overall, the cholla cactus (Cylindropuntia imbricata) is a hardy and striking plant that thrives in arid conditions with minimal care. Its spiny stems, tree-like form, and vibrant magenta blooms make it a captivating choice for both indoor and outdoor settings. With well-drained soil, plenty of sunlight, and occasional watering, this resilient cactus brings desert charm and unique beauty to any plant collection.

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csr
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
Love
Great little toy, the dogs really love it. Works great for kids also, they like to watch it wiggle around.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2026
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Lynde Creviston
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 3
Good toy
My dog really loves toys, technically he loves to kill toys. This toy is supposed to be chew proof but after 1 day my dog managed to pry it open where the Velcro is to hold the ball inside and rip the Velcro out. Now when he shakes it the plastic ball comes flying out so it had to be removed. It also gets super slimy after he chews on it. He still loves to chew and shake the toy itself so overall it was a good buy since I don’t have to spend most of my day walking through my house picking up stuffing that he has pulled out of his other toys. He is not a big dog by the way just a Boston terrier with stuffed animal issues lol.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2026
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Sara Beth Blankenship
Houston, US
★★★★★ 4
My puppy loves this!!!
UPDATE: my puppy still loves this toy, but I’m not super impressed with the craftsmanship. The fabric around the Velcro started to fray after just a few days and within a week the Velcro was completely detached from the fabric. She’s still able to play with it for now though. I’ll probably end up taking the ball out of the inside and putting it into a different toy and I’ll just sew some Velcro on so I can open and close it. It does stay charged a long time and my puppy enjoys playing with it but the novelty wears off a lot quicker now that she’s had it a couple of weeks. She’s usually into it for about 5 min and then it just vibrates its way into a corner until I turn it off. My 4 month old chorkie (6 pounds) absolutely loves this toy! I was afraid it might scare her at first but no, as soon as we turned it on she was like “LET ME AT IT!!” We’ve only had a it a few days but so far, it’s been a godsend when we are eating dinner or working or other times when we can’t entertain her as much as we would like to. It wears her out too, and after playing with it for about 20 minutes, it’s nap time. So far the battery life has been great. I fully charged it when it arrived and 3 days later it still hasn’t needed to be charged, and she has played with it for about an hour a day, in 15-20 min increments. I like that it has Velcro instead of a zipper, I think it’s a lot safer. The initial “Hello” when you turn it on is kind of loud but other than that, the noises it makes aren’t super loud. It repeats back the things you say, which took me a while to figure out. My puppy hasn’t barked at it but if you have a barker just keep that in mind, it will basically double the barks. It feels like it’s made pretty well, and my dog is kind of an aggressive chewer (she’s a teething puppy so of course she is) but so far it’s held up really well and she hasn’t been able to get the Velcro undone and get to the ball in the middle but if you have a bigger dog they might be able to. The Velcro is pretty strong though. Overall, it’s super cute and it makes my puppy happy which makes me happy! I definitely recommend to anyone who has a puppy or a dog with a lot of energy and needs something to keep them occupied for a while. I will say, after about 30 minutes max, my puppy is kind of over it but that’s a lot longer than anything else has kept her attention so I consider that a win. If I remember, I will update after a month or so to say how it’s holding up as far as charging goes and the overall quality of the toy, but so far I’m super impressed.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2026
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Lindsey D.
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 2
Major flaw
My dog liked this, but the charging port part is at the perfect position for dog teeth to catch on (there's a very large indented part with the on/off switch and that), so after only about two weeks of play, the usb C port is ruined and the toy can no longer be charged. Larger dogs or very small dogs might have fewer issues. My dog is a miniature dachshund and he could pick up the toy by biting at that indented part. (Also that "hello" is incredibly grating and if I forgot to turn off the toy would sound hours later, like in the middle of the night when we're sleeping and then my dog wakes up and freaks out.)
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Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2026
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Sandra
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
Foxy
Oh my! My grand pup loves his and so do my pups had to order #3
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Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2026

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