Opuntia sunburst variegata Pad
Opuntia, commonly known as prickly pear, are known for their flat, paddle-shaped stems and edible fruit. The plants are relatively easy to grow and are a popular choice for xeriscaping or as houseplants.
Caution: Opuntia species have fine, barbed bristles called glochids. Glochids easily detach and can pierce skin and leather gloves, so use tongs when handling.
Details
Common Names: Opuntia sunburst variegata, Cochineal Nopal Cactus
Name Meaning: Opuntia: Latin puncti (prickled); sunburst: refers to the plant's mottled appearance with different colors, such as pink, yellow, orange, cream, and green (when the plant receives ample sunlight, these colors intensify, creating a radiant "sunburst" effect); variegata: Latin term indicating that a plant has multicolored leaves or stems.
Plant Family: Cactaceae (cactus)
Native Range: Opuntia sunburst variegata is a hybrid; its parent species, Opuntia cochenillifera, comes from Mexico.
Grow Zone (Hardiness): 8b -11 (32°F) Find my zone
Bloom: Bright pink or golden yellow flowers spring through summer followed by reddish-purple fleshy fruits
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-draining
Water: Low
Growth Rate/Habit: Fast/Bushy, shrublike
Mature Size: 20-48 in. tall x 20-48 in. wide (clump)
SOLD AS AN UNROOTED PAD, 5-10 INCHES LONG.
We recommend planting this in our CACTUS/SUCCULENT SOIL.