Picture via plants.usda.gov
Basic Info
Cylindropuntia Imbricata is commonly known as the ‘Tree Cholla’. As the plant matures you can see it reach up to 90 cm (36″) tall. The plants main feature are the green to dark green stems that grow in all directions. When the plant produces flowers you can expect them to be red.
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Opuntioideae
Tribe: Cylindropuntieae
Genus: Cylindropuntia
Care and Propagation Information
Watering
Cylindropuntia Imbricata ‘Tree Cholla’ can be quite beautiful when it is well-taken care of. This succulent type needs typical watering as the other succulents. The watering method is very important to keep your Tree Cholla healthy. It should not sit on the water, and an excess amount of water should be avoided. The best way of watering is soak and dry method this succulent. Yet, the succulent should be controlled to avoid overwatering.
General Care for Cylindropuntia Imbricata ‘Tree Cholla’
This succulent type is a unique one that blooms in the spring. When it blooms, you will enjoy red flowers. It is a nice addition to your collection of plants especially if you have it displayed in a beautiful pot.
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Quick Facts:
- Prefers full sun
- Can be grown outdoor
- Grows 90 cm (36″) tall
- Can die easily if overwatered see: How to Water Succulent Plants
- Does not handle cold well
- Prefers Zone 4a-11b -34.4°C (-30°F)
- Best propagated by cuttings, offsets or seeds
- Flowers are red
Where to Plant
Cylindropuntia Imbricata ‘Tree Cholla’ succulents need strong light. When planting this succulent type in a garden, make sure it gets sunlight. Full to partial sun is the best for its growth. It is better to grow outdoor rather than indoor.
This type of succulent prefers a warm climate. It can survive at zone 4a-11b which is around -34.4 °C (-30°F). If you live in a cold area, it is better to plant Tree CHolla in an indoor environment. As long as it gets enough sunlight, the plant will grow happily.
When selecting what pot to use be sure that you understand the difference between the material used (See our guide on how to pick the best plant pot).
How to Propagate Cylindropuntia Imbricata ‘Tree Cholla’
Tree Cholla can be propagated by leaves, offsets or seeds. This succulent type does not require repotting often. Of course, the first-time repotting is essential when it is bought from the store. You can learn all about How To Repot Succulents in our guide.
Like all the other succulent types, a well-drained soil mixture is essential. If you want to know about well-drained soil mixtures, check How to Prepare Well-drained Soil for Succulent Plants.
How to Propagate Cylindropuntia Imbricata ‘Tree Cholla’ By Leaves
When propagating the plant with leaves. (Learn How to Propagate Succulents in detail here.) You should get a leave carefully from the mother plant. It should be a healthy leave that has no part left on the stem. In this way, the propagation will work. Before replanting, wait for a few days to allow it to callous. Use well-draining soil for your new succulent plant. Don’t forget to water when the soil dries out.
How to Propagate Cylindropuntia Imbricata ‘Tree Cholla’ From Offsets
The plant propagates from offsets. To be able to propagate from the mother plant, you might wait several years for the main plant to produce an offset. To start this process, use a sharp knife and remove an offset from the main plant. When you remove the offset, clean the extra soil from it. Before replanting, wait for a few days to allow it to callous. Use well-draining soil for your new succulent plant. Don’t forget to water when the soil dries out.
How to Propagate Cylindropuntia Imbricata ‘Tree Cholla’ Using Seeds
This succulent type is a slow grower so even if it can be propagated by its seeds, this method is not recommended. To propagate from the seeds, plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture. This method can be used outdoors. In cooler areas, indoor propagating is recommended.
Origin and Habitat
Cylindropuntia Imbricata ‘Tree Cholla’ is native to Northern Mexico and Southwestern United States.
