Overview

Nopalea cochinellifera is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Nopalea, part of the Cactaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Nopalea cochinellifera grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. Suggested uses include houseplants and conservatory and greenhouse.

About

Nopalea cochinellifera, commonly known as cochineal cactus or cochineal plant, is a clump-forming evergreen cactus from the family Cactaceae. It thrives in full sun and prefers a south-facing, sheltered aspect with well-drained loam or sandy soil of any pH. This cultivar is suitable for growing as a houseplant or in conservatories and greenhouses in the UK, where it requires protection (H1a hardiness). It is best planted in well-drained soil and watered during establishment. Propagation is by seed sown in early spring at 19-24°C or by division of offsets in summer.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Nopalea

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H1a

Plant details

Nopalea cochinellifera size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Houseplants, Conservatory and greenhouse

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Nopalea cochinellifera

Propagation

Seed sown at 19-24°C (66-75°F) in early spring, or by division, removing offsets in summer

Pest resistance

Mealybugs

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions