{"product_id":"20-25cm-mini-opuntia-house-plant-12cm-pot","title":"20 - 25cm Mini Opuntia House Plant 12cm Pot","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOpuntia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOpuntia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, commonly known as the Prickly Pear Cactus, is a distinctive group of cacti recognised by its flattened, paddle-shaped stems. Its unusual structure and sculptural growth make it a fantastic statement plant for sunny windowsills, conservatories and modern interiors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRather than producing conventional leaves, Opuntia grows a series of fleshy pads that store water, allowing the plant to survive extended dry periods. Depending on the species and variety, the pads can range from fresh green to blue-green and may carry prominent spines, tiny hair-like glochids or both.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs plants mature, new pads emerge from existing growth, gradually creating a branching, architectural shape. Under particularly bright conditions, mature specimens may also produce attractive flowers, sometimes followed by the colourful fruit that gives Prickly Pear its common name.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOpuntia is exceptionally drought tolerant and generally straightforward to grow. The most important factors are plenty of light, excellent drainage and avoiding excessive watering.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLight\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOpuntia loves \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003every bright light and direct sunshine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA south-facing window is usually ideal indoors, although a bright west-facing window may also provide sufficient light.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAim to provide several hours of direct sunlight each day where possible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlants that have previously been grown in lower light should be introduced to strong direct sunlight gradually. A sudden move into intense sunshine can cause scorching.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInsufficient light may cause new growth to become thin, stretched or unusually pale.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWatering\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAllow the compost to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003edry completely between waterings\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOpuntia stores water within its fleshy pads and is much more tolerant of being kept dry than being overwatered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring spring and summer, water thoroughly once the compost has dried throughout the pot. Allow excess water to drain freely and never leave the plant standing in water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring autumn and winter, watering should be reduced considerably. In cool conditions, established plants may require very little water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen in doubt, waiting a little longer before watering is generally safer than watering too frequently.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHumidity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOpuntia prefers \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003elow to average household humidity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnlike tropical houseplants, it does not require misting or a humidifier.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNormal indoor humidity is usually more than sufficient.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood ventilation is beneficial, particularly during winter when cooler temperatures and damp conditions could otherwise increase the risk of rot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring active growth, Opuntia is comfortable in normal warm household temperatures.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn approximate range of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e18–30°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is ideal during spring and summer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMany Opuntia species can tolerate cooler temperatures during winter, although cold tolerance varies considerably between species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor plants being grown primarily as houseplants, keeping temperatures above approximately 10°C is a sensible general guideline unless the exact species is known to tolerate colder conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProtect the plant from frost unless you know your particular Opuntia species is hardy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent drainage is essential.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUse a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003efree-draining cactus and succulent compost\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor additional drainage, the growing medium can contain:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCactus compost\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePerlite or pumice\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHorticultural grit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCoarse mineral material\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid dense, moisture-retentive houseplant compost on its own.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlways grow Opuntia in a container with drainage holes so excess water can escape quickly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOpuntia has relatively modest feeding requirements.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring spring and summer, feed approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eonce every 4–6 weeks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e using a cactus or succulent fertiliser.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid excessive feeding, particularly with high-nitrogen fertilisers, as this can encourage weak or overly soft growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStop feeding during autumn and winter when growth slows.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRepotting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOpuntia does not need frequent repotting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRepot when the plant has clearly outgrown its container, becomes unstable or the roots have filled the pot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChoose a container only slightly larger than the existing one and use fresh, free-draining cactus compost.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTerracotta pots can be particularly useful because their porous sides allow moisture to evaporate more quickly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTake care when handling the plant during repotting, as even apparently spineless varieties may carry tiny glochids.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHandling Opuntia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare should be taken when handling any Opuntia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMany species produce \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eglochids\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e – extremely fine, barbed hairs that can become embedded in the skin and cause considerable irritation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese may be difficult to see.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWear thick protective gloves and, where necessary, use folded newspaper, cardboard or suitable tools to support the plant while repotting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep Opuntia away from areas where children or pets may brush against it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMature Opuntias can produce spectacular flowers when given enough sunlight.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDepending on the species, flowers may be:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYellow\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrange\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePink\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCream\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlowering is considerably more likely on mature plants receiving strong direct sunlight.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSome species may subsequently produce edible prickly pear fruits, although not every Opuntia grown as a houseplant will flower or fruit indoors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePruning\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLittle pruning is normally required.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndividual pads can be removed if the plant becomes too large, develops damaged growth or needs reshaping.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMake a clean cut at the joint between pads using a sterile knife or suitable cutting tool.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAllow cut surfaces to dry and callus naturally.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Problems\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoft or mushy pads\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUsually a sign of overwatering or rot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCheck the roots and base of the plant and allow the compost to dry thoroughly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShrivelled pads\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA small amount of wrinkling can occur when the plant is dry. Significant shrivelling during the growing season may indicate that watering has been left too long.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLong, thin or stretched growth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is usually caused by insufficient light.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMove the plant gradually into a brighter position.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYellowing pads\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan indicate excessive watering, poor drainage or root problems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrown, corky areas\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSome corking around the base of mature cacti is natural as older growth becomes woody. Soft or rapidly spreading brown areas, however, may indicate rot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSun scorch\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePale, yellow or brown patches can develop if a plant accustomed to lower light is suddenly exposed to intense direct sunshine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntroduce stronger sunlight gradually.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePests\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOpuntia can occasionally be affected by:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMealybugs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScale insects\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpider mites\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRoot mealybugs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMealybugs can hide around the joints between pads, so inspect these areas carefully.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTreat infestations promptly and isolate affected plants from the rest of your collection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIs Opuntia Pet Safe?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToxicity varies between species, and reliable information is not available for every Opuntia sold as a houseplant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHowever, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethe physical risk from spines and tiny glochids is significant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, even on varieties that are not considered chemically toxic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor this reason, keep Opuntia somewhere that cats, dogs and young children cannot touch or chew it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOpuntia Care at a Glance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLight:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Very bright light with direct sun\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Allow compost to dry completely between waterings\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Low to average household humidity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Around 18–30°C during active growth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Very free-draining cactus and succulent mix\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowth rate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Slow to moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowth habit:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Upright and branching with paddle-shaped stems\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Easy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePet safe:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Keep away from pets due to spines and glochids\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Plants For All Seasons","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58818410873206,"sku":null,"price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0562\/5990\/3625\/files\/IMG_8584.jpg?v=1790338156","url":"https:\/\/www.plantsforallseasons.co.uk\/products\/20-25cm-mini-opuntia-house-plant-12cm-pot","provider":"Plants For All Seasons","version":"1.0","type":"link"}