Exo Terra Cholla Cactus Large
Part no.
PT2989
Size
27.5 x 11.6 x 9.7 cm
Look
Cholla skeleton
Use
Hide-out
Suits species
Reptiles and amphibians
Exo Terra Cholla Cactus Large
The cholla skeleton look, without the CITES paperwork. The Exo Terra Cholla Cactus Large recreates the branching, hollow structure of a real cholla cactus skeleton – the trunk of the Sonoran Desert cholla, prized by keepers for its natural look and the tunnels and gaps reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates climb through and hide in. Genuine cholla skeleton is CITES Appendix II listed, which restricts trade in the real plant; this piece gives you the look and function without that restriction.
Key features
- Natural branching skeleton look – mimics real cholla cactus wood in texture and form.
- Bendable and twistable – reposition or shape it to fit your layout rather than working around a fixed piece.
- Doubles as a hide and a climbing structure – the branching gaps give smaller animals cover as well as elevated routes through the enclosure.
- Expands usable surface area – useful for basking and thermoregulation across a gradient, not just decoration.
- Pairs with moss for a humid microclimate – pack damp Exo Terra moss into the gaps to hold humidity around the piece.
Specifications
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 11.6 x 27.5 x 9.7 cm |
|---|---|
| Style | Branching cholla cactus skeleton replica |
| SKU | AA0712 |
Will it fit my enclosure?
At 27.5 cm on its longest side, this is sized for medium to large terrariums with room to lay it flat or angle it across the floor or hardscape. Check your enclosure's footprint against these dimensions before ordering, especially in a narrower setup.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suited to desert and arid terrariums as a centrepiece, and to planted or bioactive setups as a naturalistic climbing and hiding feature. Not a substrate anchor on its own – for larger or more active climbing species, secure it against the background or hardscape so it can't be dislodged.
Care and maintenance
Rinse before first use. Wipe down or rinse periodically as part of routine enclosure cleaning; it isn't porous the way real wood is, so it won't harbour mould in the same way, but it will still collect waste and debris like any decor piece.
Goes well with
- Exo Terra Forest Moss – packed into the branching gaps for a humid microclimate
- Desert or arid substrate to complete the naturalistic look
- A basking lamp positioned over the highest point for a climbing species' basking spot
Warranty and delivery
Covered by your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Ships standard.
Common questions
Is this real cholla cactus wood?
No – Exo Terra describes it as a sustainable alternative to the real plant. Genuine cholla skeleton is CITES Appendix II listed and its trade is restricted, so this replica gives you the same branching look and function without that restriction.
Can I reshape it?
Yes – it's designed to be bendable and twistable, so you can angle or curve it to fit your layout rather than being locked into one shape.
Is it safe for shrimp, hatchlings or small invertebrates?
The branching structure is designed as a hide and climbing feature for reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates generally, but check for any small gaps that could trap a very small or juvenile animal before adding it to a nursery or fry setup.
Do I need to prepare it before use, like real wood?
Just rinse it before first use. Unlike real driftwood or cholla, it doesn't need soaking to sink or to leach tannins.
