Nopalxochia phyllanthoides
pond lily cactus
N. phyllanthoides is an evergreen cactus with erect, flattened stems to 40cm in height, bearing bell- or funnel-shaped pink flowers to 10cm across
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Pink | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Nopalxochia are evergreen epiphytic cacti with branching, jointed stems composed of strap-shaped, toothed segments, bearing showy funnel-shaped, red or pink flowers in early summer, followed by fleshy red fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in a slightly acid, epiphytic cactus compost in bright filtered light and moderate humidity, away from draughts. During the growing season water freely and feed with a half strength balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Keep just moist in winter
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 19 - 24°C in early spring or by cuttings of stem sections
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.