Position – Full sun
Soil – Well-drained
Flowering Period – Summer
Hardiness – Tender
Opuntia are creeping, bushy or tree-like cacti plants with flat stems that bear attractive polka dot bobbles. Funnel shaped flowers appear during the summer followed by spiny, fleshy fruits. Opuntia are best suited as patio or container plants. You should expect to see Opuntia grow to an approximate height and spread of 50-100cm (20-40”).
Opuntia are best planted in well-drained soil of loam or sand within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance. Under glass, grow in sharply-draining loam based compost (JI No2) with added sharp sand or perlite, or a proprietary cactus compost. Water thoroughly and deeply to settle the soil into place. Opuntia are best positioned in an area of full sun.
Ensure that Opuntia have exposure to a good amount of light and allow the compost to dry before watering during active growth. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser three or four times and withhold watering and feeding during the winter when your plants are dormant.
It is possible to propagate Opuntia by seed sown in spring. These should be pre-soaked and kept at a temperature of 21 degrees.
No Quibble Guarantee
Free P&P on orders over £50
8.7/10 on Trustpilot
