Red Devil Forest

The spines of the Red Devil Cholla are far and away the most lethal of all cactus spines. They do not have sheaths making them razor sharp. The Red Devil Cholla is sometimes called the Jumping Cholla because it seems that you donÂt have to actually touch the spines, they jump out at you, pierce your skin and lock in with barbs. Pliers are required for removal of the spines from you body. ItÂs not unusual to be working on your Red Devil Forest bonsai with your hand too close to a club, the spine locks in, you pull back quickly in pain pulling the cactus right out of the pot! As a famous Cacti grower once said: "They donÂt call the Red Devil Cholla a devil for nothing"!

The Red Devil Cholla is sometimes called Club Cholla due to the fact that the arms look like clubs. The clubs do break off fairly easy but itÂs a bonus, simply stick them into the dirt and they will root in adding to the forest. The Red Devil Cholla grows roots at a fast pace requiring root removal yearly. ItÂs nearly impossible to remove the plant for all of the above reasons so you must dig down removing roots and dirt on section basis. A third at a time with a couple weeks between sections seems to work fine.

The characteristics of fast root growth and a 12 inch maximum height makes the Red Devil Forest a ideal cactus bonsai. The cacti changes in form and color several times a year. Mold removal is best done with a tip of a steak knife. Splitting and spreading the cacti out into a forest is best done with a bread knife.

After working with your Red Devil Forest for a few years you will come to realize that it is the most strikingly beautiful of all your cacti.

Scientific Name: Grusonia emoryi Engelm.

Synonym: Corynopuntia stanlyi, Grusonia stanlyi, Opuntia stanlyi, Opuntia emoryi

Family: Cactaceae



Opuntia stanlyi at the Desert Botanical Garden Recommended Temperature Zone:

sunset: 10-13

USDA: 8b-11

Minimum Avg. Temperature: 50°F (10°C)

Heat Tolerance: Water some in Arizona in summer to keep lush

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Plains and mesas, USA (Arizona, southwestern New Mexico), Mexico (Baja California), 2500 to 4000 ft. elevation

Watering Needs: Little to no water.

Propagation: Cuttings



Although the species name stanlyi was used earlier, it was not validly published. As a consequence emoryi is now the valid species epithet.



Blooming Habits:

Yellow flowers in late spring, up to 2 inches in diameter (5 cm), 3 inches in length (7 cm). They are followed by a yellow fruit, 2-3 inches long (5-8 cm).