Opuntia Microdasys Rufida Flor
Family
Opuntioideae
Native
Mexico
Description
Opuntia microdasys var. pallida is an evergreen perennial forms a dense shrub up to 24 inches tall , composed of green, pad-like stems, up to 6 inches long and up to 5 inches broad. It has no spines, but instead has numerous pale yellow glochids up to 3 mm long at each pale yellow aureole. The flowers are up to 2 inches across and have broad, yellow tepals, yellow anthers, and dark green stigma lobes. The flowers are followed by round to egg-shaped, up to 2 inches long, red to purplish, spineless but glochid-dotted fruits.
Environment
Demands full light growing for most of the year, except during the winter cycle. For the plant's health, light should be reduced to partial sun during this time.
The Polka-dot Cactus is a desert species. Cactus are a gardeners dream for their low maintenance and interesting appearance. Water can be the death of the plant but it does need consistent moisture during the growing season. Water the plant when the top one inch of soil is dry. Allow the water to drain out of the pot and remove any excess from the saucer. During fall and winter, water lightly only every 2- 3 weeks. Like most cacti, this specimen demands sandy soil-bases that drain easily
Feed Cactus monthly with low nitrogen fertilizer. Fertilization should stop one month before the planned winter cycle for the plant's health.
Landscape Uses
Makes an attractive landscape plant .It is an excellent plant for container growing. It always looks good and stays small.
