RHS Opuntia macrocalyx
A bushy, perennial cactus with flattened, segmented, oval to round, light to mid-green stems; densely spotted with white areoles, each bearing minute white, yellow or reddish-brown bristle-like spines. Yellow, bowl-shaped flowers to 4-5cm across are borne in summer
0.5-1 metres
0-0.1 metre
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Under glass, grow in sharply-draining, peat-free, loam-based compost with added sharp sand, or a proprietary peat-free cactus compost. Provide full light at all times and allow compost to dry before watering during growth period in spring, summer and early autumn and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser three or four times. Withhold water and fertiliser in winter when dormant. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice
Propagate by seed in spring. Sow after pre-soaking and keep at 21°C for germination. Root stem segments in summer. Handle segments with folded newspaper to avoid touching spines
No pruning required
May be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs
Generally disease-free although in poorly drained, or wet soil, can be susceptible to root rots
