Opuntia robusta
A shrubby or tree-like cactus, to 2m tall in its native Mexico, with stems composed of thick, flat, rounded, greyish or bluish segments to 40cm across. 2-12 spines arise from each areole. Mature plants produce shallowly bowl-shaped, yellow flowers to 7cm across in summer, followed by spherical, red fruits; but neither flowers nor fruit are likely to be produced in the UK
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver Blue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver Blue | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver Blue | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver Blue |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Skin/eye irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Opuntia can be creeping, bushy or tree-like cacti, usually with flattened, pad-like stem segments bearing spines and barbed bristles, and with funnel-shaped flowers followed by spiny, fleshy fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
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
Propagation
Propagate by seed in spring. Separate and root stem sections. Handle plants using folded newspaper and dispose of it after use
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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