Paper Spine Cactus

Scientific Name: Tephrocactus articulatus var. papyracanthus (Phil.) Backeb.
Synonym: Opuntia papyracantha, Tephrocactus papyracanthus
Family: Cactaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 8,9, 12-24
USDA: 8b-10

Frost Tolerance: Hardy in Phoenix, hardy to 15°F (-9°C) depending on the clone

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Western Argentina

Growth Habits: Succulent to 1 foot tall (30 cm)

Watering Needs: little or no water once established

Propagation: Cuttings, occasionally seeds

This small cactus has remarkable soft flat paper spines. It is easy to grow and easily found in most place selling cacti. The stems are loosely attached to each other and fall easily.
As a house plant it needs as much direct sun as it can get, and it generally ends up getting thinner and thinner stem as a result of the lack of sun.
It is fairly cold resistant and will take full sun in the garden, it is then that it will bloom and reach its potential.
The main growing period is spring. It might produce some new segments in the fall also.