Cylindropuntia whipplei(Engelm . & Bigelow ) F.M.Knuth
Clokey Cholla , Plateau Cholla , Rattail Cholla , Whipple Cactus , Whipple Cholla , Whipple ’s Cactus , Whipple ’s Cholla
Cylindropuntia whippleivar.enodis , Grusonia whipplei , Opuntia whipplei , Opuntia whippleivar.enodis
Plant with new growth and fruits. In habitat, Chinle, Arizona, United States. Derivative of a photo byelenapalkaflores. Used underCC BY-NC 4.0. This work is licensed under the same license as the original photo by World of Succulents.
Family : CactaceaeSubfamily : OpuntioideaeTribe : CylindropuntieaeGenus : Cylindropuntia
The specific name " whipplei(WHIP - lee - center ) " honorsAmiel Weeks Whipple(1817 - 1863 ) , an American military officer and topographic technologist .
Cylindropuntia whippleiis native to theUnited States . It occurs from Nevada to southern Utah and northerly Arizona into southwestern Colorado and northwestern New Mexico . This plant grows in desert grassland , juniper - pinyon woodlands , oak tree and pine forests , and sagebrush chaparral at elevations grade from 2,950 to 7,545 metrical unit ( 900 to 2,300 m ) .
Buds and flowers. In cultivation, Grand Canyon Village, Arizona, United States. Photo bybecausebaccei. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.
Cylindropuntia whippleiis a branched cactus with unripened or sometimes purplish - green , unwaveringly attach stem turn segment with distincttuberclesand woolyareoleswith clusters of whitened , yellow , or wan red - brown spines . It can pass up to 5 feet ( 1.5 m ) in top and ordinarily grows as an uprightshrubwith many stems branching from a woody centraltrunk . However , this species also has a low - growing manikin with shorter stems that ride out close to the earth . The stem segment can grow up to 6 inches ( 15 cm ) farseeing and up to 0.9 in ( 2.2 centimetre ) in diameter . The spines are sturdy and can produce up to 1.8 inches ( 4.5 cm ) long . Each areole suffer 1 to 10 , usually 3 to 8 spines .
The flowers are chicken to greenish - yellow and come along from former leap to former summer . They can reach up to 1.2 inches ( 3 cm ) in diam . The fruits are namby-pamby , broadly speaking cylindrical to nigh spherical , with big tubercules and areoles , and can turn up to 1.4 in ( 3.5 cm ) long and 1.3 inches ( 3.2 cm ) in diam . They are fleshy , yellow to greenish - yellow , and contain pale yellow germ .
Light : C. whippleithrives in full sunshine . Indoors , a window with access to sunlight for 6 hr a day work best . Some shadowiness during midday and afternoon can prevent sunburn in very red-hot climates .
Close-up of flowers. In habitat, Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona, United States. Photo bywingedchimera. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.
grunge : This cactus require a well - draining grunge mixture . It prefers sandy or gravelly soil but can tolerate other grease types with good drain . Use a commercial-grade cactus potting mix , orcreate your own .
Temperature : Although this cactus is highly large-minded of high temperature , it prefer cooler temperatures in winter . C. whippleican withstand temperature as low as 10 ° fluorine ( -12.2 ° C).USDA Plant Hardiness Zones8a to 10b , 10 to 40 ° atomic number 9 ( -12.2 to 4.4 ° C ) .
Watering : From spring to fall , water supply pretty and let the soil dry out completely before irrigate again . In most areas , rain will be enough for effected plants . For a potted plant life , never allow the container posture in water . Suspendwateringin wintertime .
Fruits. In habitat, New Harmony, Utah, United States. Derivative of a photo bytesgeorge. Used underCC BY-NC 4.0. This work is licensed under the same license as the original photo by World of Succulents.
Fertilizing : C. whippleidoes not require fertilizer when planted in the ground . However , if grow in a container , it will benefit from fecundate during the develop time of year . Apply a water - soluble fertilizer . Suspend feeding during the winter when the plant goes dormant .
Repotting : Repot only when yourC. whippleibecomes potbound or is too magnanimous and fluid in its container . Choose a slightly larger container with drainage yap at the bottom . The best time for repotting is late wintertime or early spring .
Propagation : you may propagateC. whippleiby cuttings ( stem segment ) or seeds . Starting this cactus from seeds is a dumb process , and it may take 3 to 4 years before you have a respectable plant . Propagation by stem segments is the easiest method and yields faster results . The best clip to take cuttings is early summer . Sow the seeds in late fountain .
Learn more atHow to Grow and Care for Opuntia .
C. whippleiis not toxic to humans or pets . However , keep it aside from darling and children as it has glochids that may cause moderate skin irritation .
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