Tephrocactus articulatus 'var. papyracanthus'
Paper Spine Cactus
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Paper Spine Cactus (Tephrocactus articulatus 'var. papyracanthus') - Description
The Paper Spine Cactus is a popular South American cactus that is known for its oddly shaped, flattened spines that give it its common name. Its spines (which some may say look like long fingernails) and its distinctly segmented stems give the Paper Spine Cactus a unique look which can compliment any desert garden. Has a little more diversity than most cactus as it can handle the chill of some colder regions and still performs beautifully.
Paper Spine Cactus (Tephrocactus articulatus 'var. papyracanthus') - Blooming
Blooms flowers in a range of colors such as white, yellow, and red. Followed by dry fruit.
Paper Spine Cactus (Tephrocactus articulatus 'var. papyracanthus') - Growth
Slow-growing cactus. Needs full sun exposure and warm temperatures for good growth. Tephrocactus is used for outdoor landscaping in warm desert areas such as Arizona. Elsewhere, raise plants indoors in a greenhouse.
Paper Spine Cactus (Tephrocactus articulatus 'var. papyracanthus') - Planting
Propagate from the seed. Pre-soak seeds before planting. Plant in spring when temperatures are at least 70ºF (21ºC). Can also propagate from stem segments which easily detach from the plant.
Paper Spine Cactus (Tephrocactus articulatus 'var. papyracanthus') - Pest
Commonly affected by cladode rots, zonate leaf spots, black spot, scale insects, and mealybugs. Also prone to bacterial soft and viruses.
Paper Spine Cactus (Tephrocactus articulatus 'var. papyracanthus') - Interesting facts
The wide, flattened spines are there for a reason. The spines reflect light away from the cactus to prevent the stems from overheating. The white color and the flat shape of the spines increase the amount of sunlight that can be reflected and will promote better temperature regulation.
Paper Spine Cactus (Tephrocactus articulatus 'var. papyracanthus') - Soil and irrigation
Does best in moderately fertile soil, well-draining, gritty and humus-rich. Standard cactus potting mix works fine for indoor plants. Between early spring and mid-fall provide water only when the soil is drying out. Keep dry at other times.
