Opuntia Cochenillifera ‘Sunburst’ Variegata

Opuntia Cochenillifera ‘Sunburst’ Variegata

You will receive this exact specimen.
Measures 12" tall.
Roots as shown.
Showcased here in one-of-a-kind handmade pottery (not for sale).
Will be shipped bare root.

Opuntia cochenillifera 'Sunburst' Variegata, also known as the Sunburst Prickly Pear or Cochineal Nopal Cactus, is a striking, fast-growing cactus sought after for its vibrant yellow, green, and pink variegated pads. This nursery-cultivated variety typically reaches heights of 50 cm to 1 meter and is favored by collectors for its unique "camouflage" appearance

APPEARANCES and CHARACTERISTICS

This cactus is low-maintenance but requires specific light and soil conditions to thrive: 

• Light: Requires full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient light can cause the plant to lose its vibrant variegation.
• Watering: Extremely drought-tolerant. Use the "soak and dry" method, watering thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry. In winter, reduce watering to once every month or two as the plant enters dormancy.
• Soil: Needs gritty, sharply draining soil. A mix containing 50% to 80% mineral grit (sand, pumice, or perlite) is recommended to prevent root rot.
• Temperature: Not frost-hardy; it can only tolerate temperatures down to 32°F (0°C). It should be brought indoors or protected if a hard frost is expected.
• Handling: While often described as "mostly spineless," it possesses glochids (tiny, barbed bristles) that can easily pierce the skin and cause irritation.

CARE and GROWING CONDITIONS

• Flowers: Blooms in late spring and early summer with vibrant magenta or bright pink flowers.
• Growth Habit: Grows as a low shrub with flattened, paddle-like stems. New growth typically emerges from the top of the plant.
• Size: Most specimens stay around 50 cm (approx. 20 inches) tall, though they can occasionally reach up to 1 meter in ideal conditions.