Paper Spine (Tephrocactus)
BOTANICAL NAME
Tephrocactus articulatus var. papyracanthus,
ORIGIN
Southern America, Argentina
WATER
Water when soil is almost dry from spring to early autumn, seldom in Winter (I’m cool to be caught in the rain if I have good drainage)
OUTDOORS
Full day sun, bring It on! I’d also do great in ‘Partial Sun’
INDOORS
Yes, well-lit areas with direct sun
FROST TOLERANT
Low-moderate tolerance (short periods only)
GROWTH RATE
Slow, growing up to 50cm tall with sufficient watering,
POPULARITY
Rare
FLOWERS
Annual yellow flowers once mature.
PETS & CHILDREN
Position with caution, away from foot traffic. Low risk to children and pets
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The Tephrocactus articulatus var. papyracanthus, also known as the Paper Spine cactus, is a small and slow-growing cactus that is native to Argentina. It is best known for its unique paper-like spines that give it its name.
The Paper Spine cactus has a globular shape and can reach up to 10 cm in diameter, with a height of up to about 60cm if undisturbed. It has a greenish-gray color, and it is covered with a fine white powder that gives it a distinctive silvery appearance. The spines are stiff and white and they are arranged in a radial pattern, they are very thin and fragile, almost like paper. The cactus produces small, yellowish-green flowers that appear on the top of the cactus during the summer.
The Paper Spine cactus reproduces by seed and also by offsets that arise from the base of the plant. The offsets can be easily detached and planted separately to create new plants. It is well adapted to dry conditions and it can survive with minimal water. It is a popular choice for rock gardens, and it is well suited for small statement pots.
