I often see the paper spine cactus (Tephrocactus articulatus var. papyracanthus) offered for sale in the garden centers of many big-box DIY stores. It’s an easy-to-grow succulent that has long, white, paper-thin spines growing on egg-shaped segments. This cactus can be grown outdoors (depending on your hardiness zone) or indoors—here’s how to grow the paper spine cactus.
forms a mound of egg-shaped segments
with white, paper-like spines.
Photo by Doug Martin
Fortunately, this cactus is so easy to grow and so hardy that it makes a great plant for a beginning or experienced gardener.
How to grow the paper spine cactus
Lighting needs
Full sun: For the best results, grow in full sun. The sunlight spurs segment growth and more lovely white flowers. In the past, I have grown this cactus in afternoon shade, but those specimens stayed smaller and often did not flower at all.
South-facing window: If you’re planting this cactus in a container inside your home, place it in a south-facing window for best results. Bright, indirect light is okay, but growth might be impaired. In fact, indirect light might keep this cactus alive, but it might not grow very much.
in an arid rock garden or paired
with other xeriscape plants.
Photo by Doug Martin
Soil requirements
Well-draining soil: Like all succulents, the paper spine cactus requires soil that drains well. For all of my succulents, I buy a specially prepared cactus and succulent mix. Conveniently, they are available at most home improvement stores, as well as many large department stores.
If possible, plant this cactus on a mound, or in an elevated rock garden. This plant is ideal for rock gardens or other arid landscape designs.
Homemade mix: Occasionally, I mix my own well-draining soil. I always have a regular potting soil on hand, so I use that along with 20% regular, inexpensive play sand, along with 5% (or less) of perlite.
Container or pot: Only use a container or pot that has drainage holes.
Use a cactus and succulent potting mix for best results. Compare prices on Amazon before purchasing. (As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.)
Water requirements
Outside: Water deeply once-a-month once established with a healthy root system. Never water if the soil is already wet from rain or previous waterings. The soil should be completely dry.
I rarely water my paper spine cactus, but when I do, I water deeply. Luckily, it has well-developed roots, and probably steals water from neighboring plants that I do water more regularly.
Requires hot temperatures
For best growth, this cactus thrives in sunny, very warm locations. The more heat, the better! A combination of heat and sun will spur the most growth, and the most flower production.
When I lived in Las Cruces, New Mexico, I planted a paper spine cactus in a less-than-ideal location. It received afternoon shade, and the temperatures rarely got over 100 degrees F.
Under those conditions, the plant stayed alive, but did not grow any new segments! However, it still looked nice, but it never grew. And, it never grew flowers.
plant this cactus in a sunny, warm location.
Photo by Doug Martin
Sensitive to very cold temperatures
Here in Phoenix, Arizona, my paper spine cactus has survived brief dips into the 20s F during the winter. However, temps that dip into the single digits might be damaging.
If you live in a colder hardiness zone, the best solution is to grow this cactus in a container.
Fertilizer requirements
I have never fertilized my paper spine cactus plants. Never! But, a little fertilizer specially formulated for cacti or succulents would be vest. Look for blends of 2-4-7 or 3-4-7 (or something close).
How to propagate
Segments: The paper spine cactus is among the easiest to propagate. Gently break off a segment, and place it on potting soil. And, that’s it!
The segment doesn’t have to be specially placed in a certain position—it will grow roots out of the bottom of its segment, or the roots will grow out its areoles—its pretty amazing.
In my xeriscape, I have had segments that fell off, and I let them lay on their sides where they had fallen. After only a month (or less), they were firmly rooted in the soil. It’s a great survival technique.
The paper spine cactus is a great starter cactus
Because of its hardiness, the paper spine cactus is a great starter plant for a beginning gardener! Of course, experienced gardeners will also enjoy this plant’s ease of care and unique looks.
The brown paper spines will turn white.
Photo by Doug Martin
Shop for a paper spine cactus on Amazon. I’ve bought live plants from several vendors, and have had good luck. However, be sure and check reviews before ordering anything online. (As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.)
and they look and feel like paper.
Photo by Doug Martin
Add perlite to your potting soil mix to enhance good drainage. Amazon has lots of excellent perlite options! (As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.)
TAKEAWAYS:
How to grow the paper spine cactus
The paper spine cactus is easy-to-grow. It is drought- and heat-tolerant. Although it will survive in shadier locations, hot, sunny environments are best.
Fortunately, propagation is so easy. Just break off a segment and place it on top of the soil. In a month, it should be rooted.
Content and photos by Doug Martin and The Zen Xeriscape
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