Opuntia cochenillifera variegata
Place ideally in a sunny position or a location with diffused light.
Always water a few days after the substrate has dried out. Do not water in winter.
The cactus can tolerate short periods of -6.7 °C. However, the plant is not hardy.
This cactus has no spines. This makes it a great option for those with small children or who don't want to prick themselves.
Opuntia cochenillifera variegata is known by several names such as Warm Hand Cactus or Velvet Cactus. It is also known as Nopalea cochenillifera Variegata.
The individual green cells have irregular cream to greenish-yellow patterns on them. This is a variegated form of Opuntia cochenillifera, distinguished by the pattern on the plant's body, smaller habit and slower growth. Opuntia has a shrubby or tree-like growth habit and its cells take on a broadly cylindrical shape.
The flowers turn reddish-purple and appear during the summer and spring months. In the variegated form, however, the flowers are much rarer than in the native plant and tend not to flower.
It can be lightly fertilised. However, we will use a cactus and succulent fertiliser rather than a houseplant fertiliser. Unlike the classic form, it has much smaller and finer areoles that grow almost without spines. This makes it a safe choice for growing in the home, especially if you have young children. The visually appealing cactus of simple shapes attracts with its patterning and easy care.