[2][3] This cactus grows in upland tropical hardwood hammocks on limestone or coral substrates.

It sometimes grows on sparsely vegetated coral rock[2] and just above the high tide mark.

Windy conditions would also spread this cactus' seeds; the wind would break off branches and allow propagation to occur.

Storm surges and sea level rise may inundate its shoreline habitat and increase the salinity beyond the tolerable range for the cactus.

Populations on the Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys have been mostly eliminated due to residential development.