Paper Spine Cactus Info: How to Grow and Care for Tephrocactus papyracanthus Plant
The paper spine cactus is a unique and attractive plant for any garden. It is a bushy plant covered with long white papery spines and a ring of glochids – short hair-like spines found in the areoles of the stems. The plant looks great in pots especially when grouped with other plants.
Native to South America within western Argentina, this beautiful cactus grows up to 12 inches tall. The stems, which look like pine cones, are irregular and oblong. Although rare, white, bell-shaped flowers with a yellow core may form during late spring to early summer.
| Common names | Paper spine cactus, Paper spine spruce cactus or Opuntia papyracantha |
| Botanical name | Tephrocactus articulatus var papyracanthus |
| Plant type | Cactus |
| Mature size | 12-15 inches in height |
| Sun exposure | Full sun |
| Bloom season | Late spring to early summer |
| Flower color | White with yellow centers |
| Soil type | Sandy well-draining |
| Hardiness zone | 8b-10b (USDA) |
| Toxicity | Not toxic to pets and humans |
Paper spine cactus care information
Like many succulents, growing and maintaining the paper spine is very easy. When planting, keep in mind that this plant has lots of tiny glochids that will stick to your skin upon contact. Also, the stems can’t sustain too much pressure, they can break apart easily.
How to water
The spine cactus is drought tolerant, meaning it can go for extended periods without watering. As such, it needs less watering. Overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal issues. So, allow the soil to completely dry between waterings.
To tell if the plant needs water, either use a moisture meter or stick your finger through the soil to gauge the moisture level. If the soil feels dry to the touch, water deeply until water runs out through the drainage holes. However, don’t allow the plant to sit in any standing water.
Light requirements
The paper spine cactus prefers full direct sun, about 10-12 hours daily. An east or south-facing window makes a perfect spot for indoor growth. Without enough light, this plant will grow thin and weak. You may use artificial grow lights to supplement the natural light.
Soil and fertilizer needs
The Tephrocactus papyracanthus plant grows well in well-draining soil. Cactus or succulent soil can do the trick. Regular potting soil can also be used when mixed with equal parts of sand, pumice, or perlite. Soils that drain poorly can cause root rot and other fungal issues.
This succulent has low fertilizer needs but can benefit from occasional fertilization during the growing season. Apply a well-balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength once or twice in spring and summer to boost growth. Additionally, a soil pH of 6.1 to 7.8 should be maintained.
Temperature and humidity
Paper spine cactus does well in warm climates but can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 8b-10b. Although sensitive to frost, it can handle temperatures down to 15°F for a brief period. Therefore, bring it indoors during the cold winter months. Average indoor humidity is sufficient.
Potting and repotting
Tephrocactus papyracanthus is a slow grower meaning it hardly needs repotting. However, replacing the soil every 3 to 5 years can provide fresh nutrients for better growth. If roots are popping through the drainage holes, repot in a slightly bigger pot to avoid root-bound.
When potting or repotting, it’s necessary to use a pot with drainage holes at the bottom. The soil must also be well-draining.
Pruning requirements
Trimming off damaged or overgrown sections can maintain the succulent’s compact form enhancing its visual appeal. The optimal time for pruning is spring and fall. Pruning during these seasons encourages healing and vigorous regrowth.
Use sterilized pruning shears or scissors to avoid spreading disease-causing pathogens. A quick dip in alcohol does the trick. Also, avoid using dull blades as they can crush and damage the plant’s tissues. Smooth and clean cuts can also reduce the risk of infection.
How to propagate paper spine cactus
The paper spine cactus can be propagated by stem cutting, offsets, or seeds. I prefer the stem cutting methods and here’s how it’s done.
- Select a mature, disease-free stem from your cactus.
- Use a clean, sharp knife to cut the stem cleanly at a joint.
- Place the cutting on a paper towel in a dry, warm location for 1-2 days to allow the cut end to callous over. This helps prevent rot.
- Fill a small pot with a well-draining cactus potting mix. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
- Gently insert the calloused end of the cutting into the potting mix. Make sure it’s upright and stable.
- Water the cutting lightly after planting. Waer next when the soil is completely dry. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to rot.
- Place the potted cutting in a warm location with bright, indirect sunlight.
- Be patient as rooting usually takes 3-6 weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, you can treat it like a mature plant.
If you prefer to propagate by offsets, look for small, baby plants growing at the base of the mother plant and carefully detach them using your hands or a clean sharp knife. Let the offsets dry for a day or two to prevent rot, and plant them in a well-draining potting mix.
Common problems and diseases
Paper spine cactus is pretty resistant to pests and diseases. However, under improper care, it may suffer a few problems including the following:
Root rot
Overwatering the paper spine cactus can cause root rot and other fungal issues. Excess water in the soil limits air around the roots, as a result, they drown and die. The condition also creates bacteria and fungi that cause roots to decompose.
Plants with root rot may appear limp and shriveled. A foul odor coming from the soil is also a sign that your paper spine cactus has root rot. To treat this problem, remove the cactus from the soil and cut off the damaged roots then repot it in fresh well-draining soil.
You can prevent root rot by ensuring proper drainage and watering your cactus the right way. Water only when the soil is completely dry. Additionally, make sure the cactus is grown in well-draining soil and the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
Insects pests
Insect pests such as mealybugs and aphids can infest the paper spine cactus. This can cause it to appear dull and unhealthy. If discovered, you can manually remove pests with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or use neem oil. Essentially, inspect your plants regularly and control pests before they cause severe damage.
Final thought
The paper spine cactus is a unique plant that looks beautiful in any garden. Its care and maintenance is relatively easy. Plant it in a sunny location and water less. When potting or reporting use well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes.
My name is Diane M Lewik, and I am the founder of this website. I am a degree holder in plant biology from the University of California – Berkeley. Over the years, I have cultivated a vast collection of succulents and I have learned a great deal about how to grow and care for these unique plants. Feel free to ask any questions in the comment section below.
