The Cactus "Cholla" (pronounced choy-ya) refers to a group of cacti in the genus Cylindropuntia. Unlike the flat-padded Prickly Pear, Chollas are known for their cylindrical, jointed stems and their incredibly sharp, "jumping" spines.Cholla cacti have a distinct, "tree-like" or branching shrub appearance. They consist of segmented, cylindrical joints that look somewhat like links of green sausage.

Plant Care & Characteristics

Light Requirements: Full Sun. They require 6–10 hours of direct sunlight. Without intense light, they will become "leggy," weak, and fail to bloom.

Water Requirements: Low. Once established, they rarely need supplemental water unless there is an extreme, multi-month drought. Over-watering is the most common cause of death (root rot).

Drought Resistance: Extreme. These are desert survivors. They store water in their succulent stems and can survive on natural rainfall alone in arid climates.

Soil Type: Sandy/Gravelly & Fast-Draining. They must have sharp drainage. They thrive in rocky, poor soils. If planting in a garden, you may need to amend the soil with 50% grit or pumice.

Deer Resistance: Extreme. Deer, rabbits, and most other livestock will not touch Cholla due to the dense, painful spines.

The "Jumping" Cactus Warning: Because the joints disconnect so easily, you should never plant these near walkways, sidewalks, or areas where pets and children play. To remove a "hitched" segment, never use your hands—always use a comb to flick the segment away.