Black Spine Prickly Pear|30cm

Black Spine Prickly Pear – Opuntia monacanthaThe Opuntia monacantha has a bit more edge than your average prickly pear. Its bright green, paddle-shaped pads branch out in cheerful clusters, punctuated by long spines that are often dark or black-tipped. Playful in shape, but with a sharper character up close. Mature plants can also produce yellow flowers in the right conditions, which is a bonus worth mentioning. Native to South America, particularly Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, this species is one of the most widespread Opuntias in cultivation. It grows quickly for a cactus and responds well to a bright spot, putting out vigorous new pads through the warmer months. This plant is also known as Drooping Prickly Pear and Joseph’s Coat Cactus (in variegated forms). Place in as much direct sunlight as you can offer. Water every 2-3 weeks in spring and summer, letting the soil dry out fully in between. Reduce to very occasional watering in autumn and winter. The spines are long and sharp, so handle with care. Decorative pot not included.