Is Long-spine Cholla safe for pets?

No, Long-spine Cholla (Cylindropuntia Molesta) is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it out of reach of pets.

Is Long-spine Cholla easy to care for?

Long-spine Cholla has a medium care difficulty rating. It requires drought-tolerant watering and full_sun light.

Can Long-spine Cholla grow indoors?

Long-spine Cholla is primarily an outdoor plant and may not thrive indoors without specialized conditions.

Long-spine Cholla (Cylindropuntia Molesta) is a perennial cactus in the Cactaceae family with moderate care difficulty. It requires drought-tolerant watering and full sun light in USDA hardiness zones 5-11. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach of pets.

Cylindropuntia molesta is a cactus species endemic to Baja California, Mexico, known for its jointed cylindrical stems and barbed spines.

Last updated: February 2026

Long-spine Cholla

Cylindropuntia Molesta

Cylindropuntia molesta is a cactus species endemic to Baja California, Mexico, known for its jointed cylindrical stems and barbed spines.

Quick Facts

Type

cactus

Lifecycle

perennial

Care Difficulty

Moderate

Water Needs

drought-tolerant

Light

Full Sun

Hardiness Zones

5-11

Safety

⚠️

Not Pet Safe

⚠️

Not Child Safe

✅

Non-Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:sandy, gravelly, rocky

Indoor:No

Outdoor:Yes

Garden Use:specimen plant, erosion control, drought-tolerant landscaping

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Long-spine Cholla

Jan

Prune

Feb

Fertilize

Mar

Repot

Apr

Water+

May

...

Jun

...

Jul

...

Aug

...

Sep

...

Oct

...

Nov

...

Dec

...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

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Taxonomy

Family:Cactaceae

Genus:Cylindropuntia