Tephrocactus articulatus

Paper Spine Cactus
Size
ex 9cm pot
Availability: In stock
£13.99
Quick Overview
  • Unusual Opuntiad cactus
  • Tolerates sub-zero temperatures if kept dry
  • White flower with yellow anthers
  • Full sun and good drainage
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Tephrocactus articulatus is endemic to Argentina where it grows in very dry, arid terrain. It is a curious Opuntiad with cylindrical cladodes and long flattened papery spines. Although the spines are harmless it also has a barbed glochids so should always be handled with care. The segments easily detach and new plants can be struck as cuttings from each segment. It has a white flower with yellow anthers. 

Tephrocactus articulatus is taxonomically classified as Opuntia articulata. For most cacti afficinados that is a taxonomic classification too far.

Hardy to about -8C if given excellent drainage, it needs to be kept dry throughout the winter and benefits from a rain shelter. Segments will often rot at their base but then surprise you in late Spring by re-rooting. It also makes a great indoor plant and is ideal on a window-sill.


Additional Information

Order Caryophyllales
Family Cactaceae
Sub-Family Opuntioideae
Synonyms Cereus articulatus, Opuntia articulata, Opuntia andicola, Tephrocactus andicolus, Opuntia diademata, Tephrocactus diadematus, Opuntia turpinii, Tephrocactus turpinii, Opuntia papyracantha, Opuntia glomerata, Tephrocactus glomeratus, Opuntia strobiliformis, Tephrocactus strobiliformis
Geographical Origin Argentina: Cordoba, Mendoza, Salta, San Luis
Cultivation Full sun. Free-draining gritty sandy soil. Keep dry, water infrequently
Eventual Height 40cm
Eventual Spread 20cm
Hardiness Hardy to around -8C if given free-draining gritty substrate and kept dry. A rain-shelter and fleece are sensible precautions in the UK. Otherwise, best indoors
Tephrocactus articulatus
Paper Spine Cactus
Size
ex 9cm pot
Availability: In stock
£13.99
You could receive 20 Palm Points for writing a review for this product.
Add to My Wishlist Add to Compare Email to a Friend
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