Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free picturethis icon
Continue Reading
cover

How to Grow and Care for Chollas

Chollas

Chollas thrive in arid environments and require minimal watering, preferably every few weeks. They demand plenty of sunlight and are best kept in well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A key care point is handling with caution due to their spines, recommending protective gloves and tools.

Icon water title

Watering schedule: Once per month

In This Article

Planting and Growing Chollas

Care DifficultyEasy
LifespanPerennial
Watering ScheduleOnce per month
Hardiness Zones
10-13
Icon code

Scan QR code to download

Types of Chollas
Img topic
Tree cholla

Tree cholla (Cylindropuntia imbricata) is a cactus tree that grows from 91 to 152 cm tall. Grows in full sun and requires well-drained soil. Tree cholla flower buds are edible and can be dried, boiled or roasted and eaten much like okra. Yellow fruits ripen in winter and can be eaten raw or cooked into preserves, like other berries.

Img topic
Wiggins' cholla

The wiggins' cholla is a cactus plant that mainly inhabits deserted areas in the United States and Mexico. It has highly decorative yellow and yellow-green flowers and dense, neatly arranged white to tan colored spines. Wiggins' cholla serves as a bird's nesting site and is ideal for desert and Mediterranean gardens.

Img topic
Jumping cholla

With its unusual growth form and branches densely covered with spines, jumping cholla looks like a tree-cactus. At the end of each stem hangs a fleshy fruit, which becomes spineless over time and can remain attached to the stem for several years.

Img topic
Cane Cholla

The cane Cholla branches like a tree, but it is actually a type of cactus. It grows best in dry, sunny environments - particularly the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. It grows fruit that are eaten by deer and sheep. It is also used in ceremonies by the indigenous Zuni people.

Img topic
Teddy bear cholla

Teddy bear cholla (Cylindropuntia bigelovii) is a perennial succulent that commonly grows in sandy flats, rocky washes and deserts. It blooms in spring with lime green flowers with lavender petals. Spiny stem segments easily detach and fall to the ground, where they root to form new plants. Its stems appear soft and fuzzy like a teddy bear, but the spikes covering the branches are sharp.

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Chollas based on 10 million real cases

Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention
AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.
Download the App for Free

More General Info About Chollas

FAQs About Chollas

Plants with Same Care Needs

close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app