About
A shrubby or tree-like cactus, to 2m tall in its native Mexico, with stems composed of thick, flat, rounded, greyish or bluish segments to 40cm across. Mature plants produce shallowly bowl-shaped, yellow flowers to 7cm across in summer, followed by spherical, red fruits; but neither flowers nor fruit are likely to be produced in the UK. 2-12 spines arise from each areole.
About the genus
Opuntia can be creeping, bushy or tree-like cacti, usually with flattened, pad-like stem segments bearing spines and barbed bristles, and with funnel-shaped flowers followed by spiny, fleshy fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeSand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toMexico
ToxicitySkin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Skin/eye irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in sharply-draining, peat-free, loam-based compost with added sharp sand, or a proprietary peat-free cactus compost. Provide full light at all times and allow compost to dry before watering during growth period in spring, summer and early autumn and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser three or four times. Withhold water and fertiliser in winter when dormant. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in spring. Separate and root stem sections. Handle plants using folded newspaper and dispose of it after use
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free