Overview

Opuntia sanguinocula is a plant with a bushy habit in the genus Opuntia, part of the Cactaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Opuntia sanguinocula grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include houseplant, conservatory and greenhouse.

About

Opuntia sanguinocula is an Opuntia cactus in the family Cactaceae, forming a multi-stemmed habit with evergreen flattened pads. It favours full sun and dry, neutral loam and is suited to a south-facing, sheltered position. The plant flowers from June to September, with blooms borne on the season's pads. Its H4 hardiness rating means it tolerates average UK winter conditions when placed in a protected spot or kept under glass.

About the genus

Opuntia, commonly called the prickly pear cactus, is a genus of flowering plants in the cactus family Cactaceae, many known for their flavorful fruit and showy flowers. Between 8,000 and 9,000 years ago, the Opuntia prickly pear cactus was domesticated in central Mexico. Cacti are native to the Americas, and are well adapted to arid climates; however, they are still vulnerable to alterations in precipitation and temperature driven by climate change.

Wikipedia contributors, "Opuntia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Opuntia

In the garden

Opuntia sanguinocula belongs to the prickly pear group (genus Opuntia) within the cactus family Cactaceae and shares the genus's adaptation to arid habitats native to the Americas. It forms multiple, flattened pads that remain evergreen and carry the season's flowers between June and September. Grow it in full sun in a neutral loam kept on the dry side; a south-facing, sheltered aspect is ideal and exposure to wind should be avoided. The plant is rated H4 (average) for UK hardiness, so it will tolerate milder winters in protected positions but benefits from glass protection in colder or more exposed sites. Keep moisture low rather than persistently damp and provide a neutral soil pH to suit its roots. Opuntia sanguinocula suits cultivation under glass, in a conservatory or greenhouse, and can be grown as a houseplant where light levels are high. Outdoors, place it in the warmest, most sheltered part of the garden or in a container that can be moved under cover during severe weather. Expect the flattened pads to carry clusters of flowers from June to September while remaining as evergreen structure through winter.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Opuntia

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Dry

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Opuntia sanguinocula size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Houseplant, Conservatory, Greenhouse

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Opuntia sanguinocula

Propagation

Seed, Stem cuttings

Pest resistance

Susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs

Disease resistance

Susceptible to root rot if overwatered

Frequently asked questions