Opuntia Tufida Minima

Opuntia Tufida Minima Care

Opuntia Rufida

What is the plant

Opuntia rufida is a multi-branched cactus that may reach 3 to 5 feet tall and a bit wider. The plant generally has a short trunk, and the thickish tomentose pads are subcircular, obovate, or elliptical. Areoles are spineless but have showy red-brown glochids. In mid-spring the plant produces a profusion of brilliant yellow flowers changing to orange and red, 3 to 4 inches across. In summer, the oblong fruit is bright red to purple, 2 to 3 inches long.

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Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

10a - 11

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Like many other cacti, Opuntia Rufida Minima Monstrose should be thoroughly watered only when its soil is dry to the touch. The soil should not become soggy – it should be watered just enough to become moist. Standing water near the roots causes root rot, so take care not to overwater this cactus. In winter months, suspend watering to allow Opuntia Rufida Minima Monstrose to enjoy its dormant period. When dormant, this cactus requires little water, which is why it needs to be kept dry in winter. Besides, Opuntia Rufida Minima Monstrose are much more sensitive to overwatering in winter than in summer.
Fertilizer
Throughout the growing season (spring & summer), fertilize your Opuntia Rufida Minima Monstrose with a cactus fertilizer diluted to half strength. Depending on your fertilizer mix, you should fertilize the soil of your cactus once every 4-8 weeks.
Sunlight
With the high light needs of this cactus in mind, you should keep it outdoors where direct sunlight is plentiful. You may grow Opuntia Rufida Minima Monstrose inside as well, but only if you have a sunny window sill. No matter where you end up placing your cactus, make sure to protect it from extreme heat. During heatwaves or on very hot days, move your Opuntia Rufida Minima Monstrose to a shaded location.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
Plant your Opuntia Rufida Minima Monstrose cactus in fast-draining cactus soil – this is to prevent water from accumulating near the roots of the cactus. Since these cacti in nature grow in very rocky soil, you should consider adding mineral grit like perlite or coarse sand as well. Mineral grit in a 1:1 ratio with the cactus soil should allow for adequate drainage.
Temperature
This cactus will do best outdoors, though definitely not in cold areas or in winter – Opuntia Rufida Minima Monstrose only survives temperatures down to around 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-1.1 degrees Celsius).
Container
The pot for this cactus should have large drainage holes at the base.