You ’ve heard of prickly cacti , but have you met the fuzzy form ? Opuntia microdasys Albata is a mini cactus with an adorably easy and cuddly appearance that ’ll make you require to snuggle justly up to it . But do n’t be fooled by its flossy spirit – this cactus packs a punch !
With a dense cover of diminutive , hairsbreadth - comparable glochids instead of typical cactus spines , the Opuntia microdasys Albata is armed and dangerous . Those apparently harmless snowy fuzzies are actually sneaky petty barbs that detach lightning - tight if you so much as light touch against the plant . Getting stuck with them is no fun at all – they ’re much invisible to the defenseless middle and excruciating to remove from your skin . confide me , you ’ll be thinking doubly before attempt to pet this prickly trivial guy !
Contents
About Opuntia microdasys Albata
This miniature marvel forms a dense bush up to 2 feet magniloquent and 5 feet spacious , with mass of bantam , plane pads cluster together . The pad of paper themselves only reach around 3 - 6 inches long . Despite its little stature , this touchy cactus certainly makes a bold command in the garden !
Those muzzy white glochids plow every inch of the cactus pads , offer protection from curious hands and thirsty critters . And just look until you see the cheerful lemon - yellow efflorescence bloom , follow by vibrant red fruit . No matter how you look at it , Opuntia microdasys Albata is one eye - catching plant !
Related Post:195 Opuntia Varieties [ With picture ]
How to Care for Opuntia microdasys Albata
Light
Like most cacti , this bunny - eared beauty craves as much direct sun as possible . An display spot in your garden or on a sunny balcony is perfect . During those scorching summer month , you may require to give it a snatch of good afternoon shadowiness to prevent sunburn . But otherwise , the more sunshine , the better ! If retain it indoors , affix with agrow lightto ensure it grow enough ray .
Water
Be careful not to over - love this drought - resistant cutie with too much water . Only give Opuntia microdasys Albata a good soak once the soil is all dried out – about every 1 - 2 weeks in spring through fall , less ofttimes in wintertime . Always check that the pot has first-class drainage to keep root rotting .
Soil
Opuntia like it gritty ! Awell - draining cactus mixmade for succulent is idealistic . Or you’re able to blend together 60 % perlite or vermiculite with 20 % rough-cut Baroness Dudevant and 20 % coco coir or peat moss . The keystone is allow quick drainage while still allowing line flow to the antecedent . Consider tote up some compost or irksome - release fertilizer to give it a nutrient hike .
Fertilizer
eat your feisty friend abalanced cactus fertilizerevery 4 - 6 weeks during the spring and summer growing time of year . you could detect particular succulent fertilizers , or use a general - purpose liquid fertilizer diluted to half speciality . Always avoid overfertilizing to prevent fertiliser burn .
Temperature and Humidity
Just like in its native hot and dry desert habitat , Opuntia microdasys Albata flourish in warm temperature from 65 - 95 ° F . Aim for grim humidness with ample airflow to mime its arid environment . This cactus can tolerate a light-headed frost , but will need protection if temps dip below 25 ° F .
Pests and Problems
The buddy-buddy pelt coating of glochids detersmost pests , but watch over out for commoncactus critterslike mealybugs or spider hint . job like decomposition or computer virus can also crop up from spare wet or pitiable air circulation . rationalise off any bushed or choke segment readily .
Pruning
Since this cactus form such a dense , full conformation course , very little pruning is required . Just habituate a clean pruning shear tosnip offany stray pieces or dead tablet as needed .
Potting and Repotting
Terra cotta pots with large drainage hollow are perfect for Opuntias . Go up just 2″ in pot sizewhen repottingto prevent the roots from sit in too much moisture . Repot in early natural spring every 2 - 3 years .
How to Propagate Opuntia microdasys Albata
One of the easiest ways to get new blurred buddies isthrough generation ! Here ’s how :
So what do you guess – are you ready to bring in home this blurred little risk of exposure - taker ? With its adorably soft looks and shockingly prickly defense reaction system , the Opuntia microdasys Albata is one cactus that ’ll keep you on your toes ! Just be sure to admire its cuteness from a safe space .
