Opuntia tuna, commonly known as the prickly pear cactus, is a succulent shrub belonging to the Cactaceae family. It is characterised by its flat, paddle-like cladodes (stem segments) and vibrant flowers. This species is well-adapted to arid environments and is known for its resilience in dry conditions.
Native to: Opuntia tuna is native to Mexico and southern Jamaica, thriving in seasonally dry tropical climates.
Water: This cactus prefers dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Overwatering can be detrimental, so it's advisable to err on the side of underwatering.
Light: Opuntia tuna thrives in bright, direct sunlight. Placing it near a south-facing window will provide the necessary light intensity for optimal growth. Insufficient light can lead to weak, etiolated growth.
Humidity: This species is well-suited to low humidity environments, typical of its desert origins. It does not require additional humidity, and misting is unnecessary.
Temperature: Opuntia tuna prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 18°C to 24°C. It can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 10°C, but prolonged exposure to cold should be avoided. During winter months, it's beneficial to provide a cooler period to mimic its natural dormant phase.
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We pride ourselves on the love and care with give our plants. Our entire team are plant obsessives at heart and so we go above and beyond to care for the plants we have in stock.
That said, plants are living beings and may differ slightly from the photo provided unless otherwise stated. Small leaf imperfections may be present and won't be compensated for.
Some plants such as Begonia may suffer slight leaf melt when shipped. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about.
All our plants are stores and/or grown in our nursery under LED lighting so they are in active growth when arriving with you.
The conditions in our nursery are a minimum of 60% humidity and 19C year round.
If you have any questions about caring for your plants or setting up your home for success, don't hesitate to contact us.
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