Austrocylindropuntia Species, Huaraco, Living Snow, Polar Bear Cactus, Wool Cactus
Austrocylindropuntiafloccosa

Synonym:Tephrocactus rauhii

Synonym:Opuntia atroviridis

Synonym:Opuntia udonis

Synonym:Opuntia verticosa

Synonym:Opuntia tephrocactoides

Category
Cactus and Succulents

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade

Foliage
Deciduous

Foliage Color

Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)

Spacing
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)

Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual

Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color
Orange
Bright Yellow

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost

Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored