Perennials, Tropicals > Opuntia > Opuntia monacantha > Opuntia monacantha f. monstruosa var. variegata
Opuntia monacantha
f. monstruosa var. variegata
Variegated Joseph's Coat, Variegated Eltham Indian Fig, Variegated Pak'an, Variegated Sweet Prickly Pear
| Family |
| Cactaceae |
| Genus |
| Opuntia |
| Species |
| monacantha |
| Category |
| Perennials, Tropicals |
| Forma |
| monstruosa |
| Variety |
| variegata |
| Synonyms |
| Opuntia monacantha f. monstrusoa var. variegata 'Maverick' |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 9b - 11 |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| Requires cool season protection under glass. |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H3 - H1c |
| Temperature (°C) |
| 5 |
| Temperature (°F) |
| 36 |
| Height |
| 0.5 - 1 m |
| Spread |
| 0.3 - 0.5 m |
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| One of the few naturally-occurring white-variegated species of cacti found in the wild. |
| Landscape |
| In potted succulent and cacti collections, in arid gardens, in rock gardens, as a potted indoor or patio plant or as a specimen. |
| Cultivation |
| Plant in loose, well-draining cactus mix, sandy or gravelly soil in full sun. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings. |
| Shape |
| Upright-spreading. |
| Growth |
| Medium |
| Habitat |
| Rocky sunny plains. |
| Bark/Stem Description |
| Smooth glabrous succulent flesh that is variegated in clusters of small bands. Areoles 3 - 6 mm in diameter, visible, with 4 - 8 thin spines up to 4 cm long. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
| Small insignificant pinnate flowers, carrying 1 - 3 scales that appear as buds near the crowns of developed lobes. |
| Colour Description |
| Succulent flesh varies in colour from medium green to a pale creamy sage green. Areoles vary from brownish-red to reddish-pink with brownish-black spines. Flowers and flower buds are reddish-pink. |
| Texture Description |
| Smooth, thorny. |
| Notable Specimens |
| Centennial conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. |
| Propagation |
| Cuttings. |
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