Opuntia monacantha variegata
The plant likes a sunny habitat or partial shade.
Always water a few days after the substrate has dried out. Do not water in winter.
It can tolerate -6.7 °C in the short term. However, the plant is not hardy.
This is probably one of the few wild variegated cacti. It has a variety of irregular patterns in many colours.
Opuntia monacantha variegata is a variegated form of Opuntia monacantha. It is said to be one of the few naturally occurring variegated cacti, and is now widespread throughout the world.
The cactus is green, with irregular markings on the surface in white, cream, yellow, green and sometimes pink. This colourful spectacle gives the plant a unique and extravagant appearance. The stems of the cactus are divided into elongated to obovate segments. The plant is shrubby or tree-like in nature and can grow to an impressive height of 6 metres. In a pot, the height is usually around 60 cm.
During the flowering season it produces a blaze of yellow to dark orange-brown flowers with reddish outer perianth segments. The flowers are quite large and give the plant an exotic appearance.
Opuntia monacantha variegata is relatively drought and frost tolerant and easy to propagate. It should not be fertilized and will do best in full sun in dry soil. Probably one of the few similar cacti in the wild, it will captivate not only collectors but also cactus and succulent enthusiasts who want something hardy and beautiful all in one.