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Bright Direct Light
3-5 in./yr Growth
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Moisture Meter
Measure moisture, pH levels, and light
+ $19
Premium Potting Mix
Nutrient-rich blend for healthy growth
+ $19
Teddy Bear Cactus Information
About The Teddy Bear Cactus
Meet the Teddy Bear Cactus! A quirky twist on your classic cactus with soft, fuzzy “fur” and an eye-catching, wavy stem. Despite its wild appearance, this cactus is surprisingly easygoing and low-maintenance, thriving in bright light and needing just occasional watering. Perfect for plant parents who want a conversation starter that’s as tough as it is adorable.
Note: Our cacti aren’t cuttings—they’re fully rooted plants! This means they’re already established and ready to thrive in their new home. Succulents naturally have shallow roots, so don’t be surprised if that’s what you see, it’s a completely natural trait!
- Each plant is unique; size and shape fluctuate by season so all measurements are shown as a range
- Small plants measure 7-9 inches tall from bottom of the grow pot to the top of the foliage
- Arrives in a nursery grow pot nestled in your planter choice
Sizing Guide
Small
Approximately 5" in diameter, fits plants in a 4" grow pot or smaller
Medium
Approximately 7" in diameter, fits plants in a 6" grow pot or smaller
Large
Approximately 10-12" in diameter, fits plants in a 10" grow pot or smaller
Massive
Approximately 12-14" in diameter, fits plants in a 12" grow pot or smaller
Watering Requirements
Water every 2-3 weeks in direct light, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light.
Sunlight Requirements
Thrives in bright direct light, but can tolerate bright indirect light.
Humidity Requirements
Cacti prefer low humidity levels, so it's best to keep them in a dry environment. Avoid placing them in a bathroom or other area with high humidity, as this can cause fungal diseases to develop or the soil to remain moist for too long.
Pet-Friendly Plant?
No, use caution when placing this plant in homes with pets.
Why is it called a Teddy Bear Cactus if it isn't soft?
The Teddy Bear Cactus gets its misleading nickname from its appearance. From a distance, its incredibly dense, silver-golden spines completely cover the dark stems, creating a fuzzy, soft, golden silhouette that resembles a plush toy.
Do Teddy Bear Cacti actually "jump" at you?
No, the Teddy Bear Cactus cannot physically launch or jump at you. This widespread desert myth is caused by the plants method of propagation! The segments (pads) of Cylindropuntia bigelovii are engineered to detach with almost no effort. When an animal or a hiker lightly brushes past the plant, the barbs latch onto clothing or fur easily, and the segment instantly snaps off the parent plant.
What is the safest way to remove Teddy Bear Cholla spines?
If a segment of a Teddy Bear Cactus attaches to you, never attempt to pull it off with your bare hands, as it will embed itself into your fingers. Try sliding a sturdy, wide-toothed hair comb between your skin and the segment, then flick or pry the piece away from your body. For individual spines left behind, grab a pair of tweezers or needle-nose pliers to pull them straight out out of the skin.
What is the best soil mix for a Teddy Bear Cactus?
Standard potting soil or even common commercial succulent soils retain too much moisture for this desert specialist. To successfully pot a Cylindropuntia bigelovii, create a blend consisting of 70% inorganic grit (such as pumice, coarse perlite, fine lava rock, or poultry grit) and only 30% organic matter (cactus soil).
Our planters are made from the highest quality materials, and designed to complement a range of styles.
Ceramic Planters
No Exterior Planter
Hyde
Includes drainage hole & matching saucer
Grant
No drainage hole; use as cache pot or add lava rocks
Grow Pot
Plastic container with drainage holes used by our greenhouse
All of our plants ship in premium packaging for zero damage on arrival. Here’s what you can expect in your box on arrival:
Your Teddy Bear Cactus
Fully rooted in a nursery pot with soil intact
Custom Protection System
Corner guards, soil stabilizer, and branch sleeves keep it secure
Pre-Watered & Ready
Each plant is watered 24 hours before it is shipped
Care Instructions Card
Includes expert-curated care tips to help your plant thrive far beyond the first 30 days.
Perfect For Gifting
No pricing or packing slips included with gifts! Just the plant and a note.
Additional Resources
- Video: Workshop Tutorial 1
- Video: Workshop Tutorial 2
- Video: Workshop Tutorial 3
- Video: Workshop Tutorial 4
- How to Care for a Cactus
- How to Pot Your Houseplant Step By Step
- Understanding Lighting in Your Home and How It Affects Your Plants
- How Often & How Much You Should Water Houseplants
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Why Choose The Sill?
Not all Teddy Bear Cactuss are created equal
Greenhouse Grown
Not warehouse-held. Hand-picked and cared for by our experts.
Indoor Ready
Pre-conditioned to indoor light conditions.
Hand-Selected
Inspected by experts. Only our best ship out.
30-Day Guarantee
Free replacements if not happy and healthy.