Opuntia Rubescens Consolea – Road Kill Cactus

Sleek and stylish, the Opuntia rubescens Consolea is a truly extraordinary cactus that must be seen to be believed. When viewed head-on, its thick, fleshy paddle-shaped leaves delicately ripple with indentations, resembling subtle tyre tracks. However, the true essence of its moniker, “Road Kill Cactus,” becomes unmistakably evident when observed from the side. This unusual cactus boasts a distinctly flat profile. Although each strap-like paddle-shaped segment can expand to about 50cm in length, they maintain a slender thickness of just a few centimetres. It’s a serious style statement of a slender succulent!

Horty Hints

Low, not no, spination. Like other Opuntia, the spines (glochids) on the road kill cactus are incredibly fine, almost hairlike. They can be a little uncomfortable if they do bite be careful when handling them.

Less is more! Allow your cactus’ soil to dry out completely in between watering. Water sparingly to avoid root and stem rot.

Sun-seeker! Give this tough cactus the shining spotlight it craves! Bask it by a beaming window all day – south or southwest-facing will give the winning glow.

Light

The Road Kill Cactus prefers bright, direct sunlight. It can tolerate some indirect sunlight, but too much shade will cause it to grow slowly and potentially lose its distinctive shape.

Watering

Opuntia rubescens Consolea is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers infrequent watering. Water the cactus when the soil is dry to the touch, usually every 2-3 weeks. Be sure to water the soil directly and avoid getting water on the cactus pads, which can cause them to rot.

Temperature

This cactus will do well in average household temperatures: typically 15-27°C. It can survive in temperatures as low as 10°C, but it is best to avoid exposing it to cold drafts or temperatures below 4°C.

Humidity

This cactus will tolerate drier spaces and may suffer in areas with high humidity. Keep out of steamy rooms like the kitchen and bathroom.

Feed

Feed with cactus and succulent fertilizer during the summer months.

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Height & Growth Rate

This cactus is known for its slow to moderate growth rate. It can eventually grow several metres tall, but typically will reach around 1 metre indoors. Remove the upper pads to maintain your desired height.

Toxicity

Generally considered to be non-toxic but the plant does have small spines on its pads that could cause discomfort and irritation, especially if ingested.

Origin

Opuntia rubescens Consolea, is native to Central America, specifically Mexico.

Please note: images show how this plant may look at various stages of maturity. The size you choose may look different.

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