Jumping Cholla
cylindropuntia fulgida
Also known as: ["Cane Cholla","Chain Fruit Cholla"]
Overview
A large, tree-like cactus with cylindrical, segmented stems and formidable spines that can detach easily and attach to passing animals or humans.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Cylindropuntia |
| Botanical Name: | Cylindropuntia fulgida |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, sunny location or outdoor xeriscaped garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–45°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 1–2 years or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Adjust to partial shade in extreme summer heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to direct sun to avoid scorching. Place in the brightest possible location indoors, near a south-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during peak summer heat.
Watering
every 10–14 days during growing season, every 4–6 weeks in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, ensure excellent drainage, and avoid waterlogged soil.
Soil
fast-draining cactus mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries quickly; avoid heavy, water-retentive mixes; amend with grit if needed.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (70–100°F or 21–38°C). Tolerates brief cold snaps but thrives in heat.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; ensure good air flow in hot conditions.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during growing season with balanced cactus fertilizer
Fertilize only during active growth; dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; stop in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (cladodes or segments).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Cut a healthy segment, let it callus for 1–2 days, plant in medium, keep moist but not wet, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–85°F or 21–29°C), high humidity (60–70%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.
Timeline
Roots may form in 4–8 weeks; establish in 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, rooting hormone, propagation tray, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Let cuttings callus before planting; maintain humidity; use sterile tools.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut segments cleanly with sterilized tools; avoid tearing.
Pruning Plan
Prune to control size, remove dead or damaged segments, and encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Sterilized pruning shears or a sharp knife.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, cut cleanly, wear gloves, dispose of pruned material safely.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot).
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh cactus mix, and water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.
Checklist
Choose right pot size, use fresh soil, ensure drainage, water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness, water deeply, ensure drainage, reduce in winter.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting the stems or pads. Allow water to drain freely from the pot or soil.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to once every 4–6 weeks, depending on conditions.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to improve drainage and aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, stunted growth, or bud drop in cold; wilting or sunburn in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root rot if soil remains moist.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, ensure soil is dry, and protect from frost.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause dehydration, sunburn, or scorching of stems.
Solution: Provide some shade during peak heat, increase air circulation, and water carefully.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use cactus fertilizer, dilute properly, fertilize in growing season, avoid winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicContact with spines and glochids can cause mechanical injury and irritation. Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort due to physical irritation from spines and glochids.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched or eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicContact with spines and glochids can cause mechanical injury and irritation. Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort due to physical irritation from spines and glochids.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched or eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicContact with spines and glochids can cause mechanical injury and irritation. Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort due to physical irritation from spines and glochids.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched or eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Jumping Cholla really dangerous?
A: While it does not jump, its spines detach easily and can embed deeply in skin or fur, causing pain and requiring careful removal.
Q: How do I propagate Cylindropuntia fulgida?
A: Propagation is typically done by cutting segments and allowing them to callous before planting in well-draining soil.
Q: Does this cactus flower?
A: Yes, it produces white or pinkish flowers, followed by chain-like fruits that remain on the plant and continue to produce new flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 10–14 days during grow |
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