Hey Plant Friends!

This week we are talking about Opuntia cochenillifera ‘Sunburst’, more commonly known as the variegated prickly pear cactus but with a citrusy, colored twist. Prickly pears are native to Mexico and belong to the Cactaceae family. This cultivar does not occur naturally as it was cultivated in a nursery. Known for its mottled, bright color that starts our pink and fades to hues of orange and yellow, this hot sun lover will not disappoint.

Let’s talk about care. Most cactus plants are low maintenance with the right care. Opuntia thrive in the brightest light possible. Ideally, they will love 5 or more hours of direct sun. South facing windows are best! When repotting, we recommend using Sol Soils Cactus Mix. This mix is great for all cacti because of its chunky, sharp drainage. Let your plant completely dry between watering. Opuntia do not like to sit in overly damp soil, this can lead to root rot. During the summer your plant will need regular watering, about once every three weeks depending on the size of container. During the winter cut back drastically as growth will have slowed. Pests like mealy bugs and scale do show up from time to time. Check your plant each time you water to stay ahead of infestations. Wipe paddles with a damp cloth to keep surfaces clean and free of pests. Also, keep a bottle of Eight Houseplant Insect Spray on hand for easy treatment. Fertilize during active growth with a Cactus Fertilizer to encourage blooms.

Optunia ‘Sunburst’ is available at Tonkadale in 1-gallon pots. If you have additional questions feel free to reach out to us by phone, Instagram, or email us at hello@tonkadale.com.

Happy Planting!