Opuntia microdasys inermis (Prickly pear cactus)

The Opuntia Inermis is a shrubby and spreading variety of cacti with greyish-green pads. The pads can be rounded or elongated, having numerous brownish areoles. The short glochids can be seen more clearly on the new pads. Yellow coloured flowers are produced through summer. It is a species of flowering plant in the cactus family Cactaceae, native and endemic to central and northern Mexico.

RATING- Super Easy

LOVES- As with all desert cacti this plant will need a bright and sunny spot where possible, especially throughout winter. The main requirement is fresh air circulation.

HATES- Shade, the plant will grow towards the light if it is too dark. Do not mist as these plants don’t need humidity. Overwatering is a big killer of cacti- water sparingly throughout spring-autumn and reduce in winter.

Pot diameter- 8.5cm

Toxicity rating- Flesh and fruit not poisonous to pets, however the glochids (spines) are extremely irritating to both human and animal skin