Coastal Cholla Plant Care
Cylindropuntia prolifera (Engelm.) F.M.Knuth
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cylindropuntia prolifera, known by the common name Coastal cholla, is a species of cactus. In Australia it is called 'Jumping Cholla' because of it seeming to jump from outbreak to outbreak.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
50–90°F
10–40%
At a glance
How do you care for Coastal Cholla?
Water Coastal Cholla every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–90°F (10–32°C) and 10–40% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Coastal Cholla?
Coastal Cholla (Cylindropuntia prolifera) belongs to the Cactaceae family within the Cylindropuntia genus. Coastal Cholla is also known as Prolific Cholla.
Coastal Cholla displays a low clumping cactus growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Coastal Cholla produces bright yellow flowers with red centers.
How Often Should You Water a Coastal Cholla?
Cylindropuntia prolifera requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Coastal Cholla Need?
Coastal Cholla thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Coastal Cholla Prefer?
Cylindropuntia prolifera grows best at temperatures of 50–90°F. Coastal Cholla prefers humidity levels of 10–40%.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
10–40%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Coastal Cholla?
Sandy, well-draining cactus mix with perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Coastal Cholla to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Coastal Cholla?
Feed Coastal Cholla every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Coastal Cholla?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Coastal Cholla?
Coastal Cholla can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bernard's cholla plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Coastal Cholla Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Mildly toxic if ingested, can cause skin irritation
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Coastal Cholla?
Coastal Cholla is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Coastal Cholla Need?
Coastal Cholla grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Coastal Cholla as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Coastal Cholla is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cylindropuntia genus — compare its care with other Cylindropuntia species on PlantoScan.
Cylindropuntia is part of the Cactaceae plant family — browse all Cactaceae genera and species.
Coastal Cholla thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Cylindropuntia Species
Other Cylindropuntia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cylindropuntia prolifera (Engelm.) F.M.Knuth, family Cactaceae (first published in Kaktus-ABC: 126. 1936.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Coastal Cholla is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Coastal Cholla Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species