Paper Spine Cactus

Paper Spine Cactus Care

Tephrocactus Articulatus

What is the plant

The Paper Spine Cactus was first described in 1868 by Charles Lamarie. Native to western Argentina, the Paper Spine Cactus (Tephrocactus articulatus var. papyracanthus) is found growing naturally on the lower slopes of the Andes mountain range.Also known as Spruce Cactus, each new segment emerges from the cactus aureoles, which protect the new growth with a circle of defensive glochids and one large papery spine.This plant grows up to 12 inches tall. The pine cone-shaped segments loosely attached to each other and fall easily.The new segments seem to be reaching out to the warm sun as they poke through the old segments. Soon, they will reach maturity, and take on the typical mature pine-cone shape.

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Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

10°C - 18°C

Hardiness zone

8b - 10b

Difficulty

Easy

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
This succulent type needs typical watering as the other succulents. The watering method is very important to keep your Paper Spine Cactus healthy. It should not sit on the water, and an excess amount of water should be avoided. The best way of watering is soak and dry method this succulent. Yet, the succulent should be controlled to avoid overwatering.
Sunlight
Need full sun, (with insufficient illumination stems get thinner as a result of the lack of sun)
Soil
Like all the other succulent types, a well-drained soil mixture is essential.

Disease diagnosis

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Temperature
It is fairly cold resistant and hardy to -9°C depending on the clone,
Container
Provide porous soil with adequate drainage, pots with drainage hole are recommended.
Popularity
127 people already have this plant 24 people have added this plant to their wishlists