Boxing Glove Cholla
Cylindropuntia fulgida var mamillata
In stock
1 gallon; 5 gallon
Plant Care
Native region:
Water needs:
Exposure:
Mature size:
Growth rate:
Sonoran Desert
Very Low
Full Sun; Filtered Sun
3'x3'
Slow
Flower color:
Flower season:
Pruning:
n/a
n/a
None
Wildlife
Monarchs:
No
Nectar pollinators:
Yes
Nighttime pollinators:
Yes
Rabbit resistant:
Yes
Boxing Glove Cholla is a crested variety of Opuntia fulgida (Jumping or Jointed Cholla) native to the Sonoran Desert. It gets its common name because the crested pads resemble boxing gloves. The grey-green pads are contorted or often concave. Some even form wavy growth. It is slow growing but can reach 3-5 feet tall by 2-3 feet wide. Plant in well draining soil allowing it to dry out between watering.
Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information
The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!
Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.
Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.