Imagine a tiny , prickly cactus so endearing that it ’s cursorily becoming a garden champion . Meet Opuntia rufida Minima – the gelded small succulent that ’s stealing centre and taking over gardens everywhere !
This miniature Mexican marvel branches out into the most delicious paddle - similar shank , dumbly covering itself in a burnished green pelage . And get this – each cute pad is stud with reddish thorn that give it a fun , punk rock vibration without the pain in the neck of literal spines . It ’s like a tiny cactus with a major attitude !
If you ’re already taken with , keep read to read all about care for this charming , humble - maintenance flora .
Contents
About Opuntia rufida Minima
Native to parts of Mexico and Texas , Opuntia rufida Minima is a educate variety of the Opuntia rufida cactus . While normal Opuntia rufida can reach 3 - 6 feet tall , this mini edition stays a succinct 6 - 12 inches high-pitched and broad . Its tightly packed , branch pad of paper make a dense , rounded shape that ’s just irresistible .
Despite its diminished stature , Opuntia rufida Minima is one toughened cooky , able to thrive in hot , dry weather condition . With a little TLC , it make an first-class indoor industrial plant that ’s as at nursing home out of doors in affectionate climates .
Related Post:195 Opuntia Varieties [ With picture show ]
How to Care for Opuntia rufida minima
Light
Like most cacti , your mini Opuntia lovesdirect sunlight . target to give it at least 6 hours of cheerfulness per Clarence Shepard Day Jr. by come out it near a smart windowpane or outside in full sun .
For indoor industrial plant , agrow lightcan supplement natural light when needed . Position the light 6 - 12 in from the top of the cactus and keep it on for 12 - 16 hours per day .
Water
With its desert origins , Opuntia rufida Minima likes infrequent but inscrutable lachrymation . During spring to fall ( its mature season ) , water deeply every 7 - 10 days , allowing the top 1 - 2 inches of soil to in full dry between watering .
In wintertime when the industrial plant is dormant , cut back to watering just once every 3 - 4 week to keep the soil more or less moist but not drenched . Always apply half-hearted water and avoid getting the launchpad wet to prevent rot .
Soil
The perfect potting mix mimics Opuntia ’s native , fast - enfeeble desert soil . Use agritty cactus / succulent mixor produce your own by combining :
This immobile - draining , breathable premix allows excess wet to quickly escape while providing the nutrients your miniature cactus craves .
Fertilizer
feast your Opuntia a balanced , water - solublecactus fertilizerevery 4 - 6 hebdomad during fountain and summer . A gentle half - strength root allows you to leave nutrients without jeopardy of burn .
Temperature and Humidity
These cacti boom in warm , wry weather condition with daytime temperatures from 70 - 95 ° F . night temps down to 50 ° F are okay .
Avoid excessive humidity over 40 % , which can leave to rot and disease . near air circulation is a must .
Pests and Problems
Despite their prickles , Opuntia rufida Minima can occasionallyfall victimto common houseplant pests like :
Wipe offany critterswith a moist cloth , prune off heavily infested areas , or utilise an insecticidal soap sprayer . Well - draining soil helps prevent fungous disease like rot .
Pruning
Since it ’s naturally thickly branch , Opuntia rufida Minima only needslight pruningonce or twice a year . Use sporty shears to snip off any dead , discredited or overly long pads .
Potting and Repotting
implant miniature Opuntias in containers with drainage holes using the tight - draining stain mix mentioned earlier . Repot yearlyin early spring , go just 1 - 2″ encompassing each time to accommodate new increase .
How to Propagate Opuntia rufida minima
One of the best features of these midget wonders ? They ’re a cinch to broadcast for more dry pint - sized cuties !
First , allow the mother plant to form plump , mature pads at least 4 inches extensive . Then stick with these easy steps :
So what are you wait for ? tot up the radical - cute , ultra - hardy Opuntia rufida Minima to your works accumulation and let this miniature wonder steal your heart . Just try not to nose yourself on those fresh piffling sticker !
