Light
Full Sun
Requires full, direct sun; at least 6-8 hours of intense sunlight daily.
Reference image Cylindropuntia bigelovii
Teddy Bear Cholla
Overview
Cylindropuntia bigelovii, commonly known as the "Teddy Bear Cholla," is an iconic desert cactus known for its deceptive fuzzy appearance, which is actually composed of a dense matrix of incredibly sharp, barbed spines 1.
Taxonomy and Naming
Belonging to the family Cactaceae and the genus Cylindropuntia, this species was first described by George Engelmann. The specific epithet honors the botanist John Milton Bigelow. It is famous for its easily detached segments, giving it the nickname "jumping cholla."
Distribution and Habitat
This species is native to the Southwestern United States (California, Arizona, Nevada) and Northwestern Mexico (Sonora, Baja California) 2. It thrives in extreme desert conditions, particularly on rocky slopes, alluvial fans, and gravelly flats.
Appearance
This succulent shrub typically grows 1 to 2.5 meters tall, featuring a dark central trunk with numerous silver-yellow, spine-covered joints. The dense spines reflect sunlight, protecting the plant from intense heat. It produces pale green-yellow flowers, sometimes tinged with purple, in late spring.
Culture and Care
Hardly suitable for standard indoor cultivation due to its safety hazards and extreme light requirements, it can be grown in xeric gardens or specialized greenhouses. It requires minimal water and maximum direct sunlight.
Common Care Mistakes
Overwatering, placing the plant in dim light, and using heavy clay soils are fatal. Attempting to handle the plant without proper tools can lead to painful skin attachments of the barbed segments.
References
Watering
14-45 Days
Allow soil to dry out completely. Virtually no watering during winter dormancy.
Soil
Well-drained, sandy, gravelly, and low-nutrient cactus soil mix
Highly porous, mineral-heavy, gravelly cactus mix with excellent drainage.
Safety
Risky for Pets
Extremely dangerous. Spines are heavily barbed, easily detach, and are highly painful to remove. Toxic to pets.
Difficulty
Hard
Hard to manage safely due to extreme spine hazard, though culturally low-maintenance.
Native Habitat
Southwestern USA, Northwestern Mexico
Found abundantly in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts, colonizing dry, rocky slopes and gravelly plains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Teddy Bear Cholla indoors?
It is not recommended. Due to its extreme sunlight requirements and highly dangerous, easily detached spines, it is best kept outdoors in a sunny garden or balcony.
Why is it called 'jumping cholla'?
Its stem segments are so loosely attached that the slightest touch or vibration makes them detach and stick to passersby, making them seem to 'jump'.
How often should it be watered in a pot?
Water roughly every 14 days in summer, and suspend watering almost completely during the winter. Ensure the soil is dry throughout.
What type of soil does it need?
It requires highly porous, sandy, and gravelly cactus soil that is low in organic nutrients to prevent root rot.
Is it toxic to pets?
Yes. Beyond the severe danger of mechanical injury from the barbed spines, it can cause severe pain and tissue irritation to cats and dogs.
Is it cold hardy?
It can tolerate brief frosts down to -10°C (14°F), provided the soil is kept completely dry during the cold period.
Does it produce flowers?
Yes, it produces delicate, pale greenish-yellow flowers, often tipped with lavender or brown, in late spring.
How should I remove the spines if they stick to me?
Never use your bare hands. Use a hair comb or tongs to pull the main segment away, then use tweezers to remove individual barbed spines.
What is its growth rate?
It has a slow to moderate growth rate. In container cultivation, it takes many years to reach a substantial size.
How is it propagated?
It propagates very easily by stem cuttings. Fallen segments will readily grow roots when placed on dry, well-draining soil.