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Desert Christmas Cactus

Also known as

desert Christmas cactus, desert Christmas cholla, pencil cactus and tasajillo

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Cylindropuntia leptocaulis

Genus

Cylindropuntia

Family

Cactaceae

Order

Caryophyllales

How to care for Desert Christmas Cactus

💦 Water

How often to water your Desert Christmas Cactus

Desert Christmas Cactus needs 0.5 cups of water every 12 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
12

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Desert Christmas Cactus in your home

Desert Christmas Cactus love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Desert Christmas Cactus does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Desert Christmas Cactus in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Desert Christmas Cactus

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Desert Christmas Cactus: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Desert Christmas Cactus after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #DesertChristmasCactus

💡 FAQs

💦 Water Needs

Desert Christmas Cactus thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Desert Christmas Cactus Water Frequency →

Desert Christmas Cactus Root Rot →

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Desert Christmas Cactus requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Desert Christmas Cactus Light Requirements →

Desert Christmas Cactus Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.

Desert Christmas Cactus Toxicity to Cats →

Desert Christmas Cactus Toxicity to Dogs →

Desert Christmas Cactus Toxicity to Humans →

⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Desert Christmas Cactus grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.

How and When to Prune Desert Christmas Cactus →

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.