Get ready to meet the showstopper of the cactus family – Opuntia microdasys , the golden - hairy knockout ! With its fuzzed , velvety pad of paper and cheery chicken glochid ( those lilliputian hair - like prickles ) , this cactus is a lawful stunner .
But do n’t let its cute bunny pinna appearance fool you – Opuntia microdasys is one tough cookie . aboriginal to the comeuppance of Mexico , it knows how to flourish in harsh , desiccated condition that would get out most plants wilting .
So what makes this cactus so particular ? permit ’s plunge into the howling world of Opuntia microdasys !
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About Opuntia microdasys
This low - grow , branching cactus forms adorable small clumps reaching up to 3 feet tall at most . Its inkpad - alike stem segment come in oblong or rounded material body , sized between 2 - 6 inches long and 1.5 - 4.5 inches wide . These subdued , hazy pad are invertebrate and range from pale to bluish - green .
The real stopper are the areoles – those fuzzy favorable or reddish - brown spots that cover the pads . Packed with glochids up to an inch long , they give Opuntia microdasys its iconic haired look .
While the bright scandalmongering blossom are a rarified sight in cultivation , they ’re an absolute dish when they flower from April to May . But even without flowers , this cactus is a real head - turner in the garden !
Related Post:195 Opuntia Varieties [ With Pictures ]
Opuntia microdasys Care Guide
Light
Like a tinysun - worshipper , Opuntia microdasys craves lots of direct light . An unobstructed southerly or westerly exposure is ideal . If growing indoors , add on with agood grow lighton for 12 - 14 hours daily .
Water
Opuntia microdasys likes its grease on the drier side , just like its aboriginal desert habitat . Water soundly but infrequently – every 2 - 3 weeks in outflow / summer and monthly in winter . The soil should amply dry before water again to keep putrefaction .
Soil
This hairy cactus favour a well - draining potting mixmade for cactiand succulents . A blend of 1 part pot soil , 1 part coarse sand , and 1 part perlite or pumice stone sour great . Good drain is a must !
Fertilizer
Feed your halcyon beauty every 4 - 6 calendar week during leap and summer with a balancedcactus fertilizerdiluted to half strong suit . No fertiliser is needed in winter when growth is sleeping .
Temperature and Humidity
Give your Opuntia microdasys fond days around 75 - 95 ° F and cooler nights around 50 - 70 ° fluorine . It thrives in juiceless zephyr with humidness below 40 % .
Pests and Problems
Watch out forcommon cactus pestslike mealybugs , spider mites and scale . Rot from overwatering is the biggest danger , so err on the wry side .
Pruning
Minimal pruning is needed . Just snip off any damaged , discolored or shriveled pads .
Potting and Repotting
Repot every 2 - 3 years in previous spring using a pot justan column inch or two widerthan the current one . opt a container with drainage hollow .
How to Propagate Opuntia microdasys
One of the cool things about this cactus is how easy it is to propagate ! Here ’s what to do :
With its depressed - sustenance needs and adorable looks , Opuntia microdasys piss an excellent indoor works or quirky addition to tilt gardens . Just be heedful of those fuzzy glochids ! This golden beauty is sure to steal the spotlight wherever you grow it .
