Opuntia robusta aka Wheel Cactus

Taxonomy

Opuntia robusta, also known as the wheel cactus, nopal tapon, or camuesa, is a species of cactus in the family Cactaceae. It is native to central and northern Mexico, growing up to 2m tall in its natural habitat. This shrubby or tree-like cactus has thick, flat, rounded, greyish or bluish segments that can reach up to 40cm across. Each areole on the stems produces 2-12 spines. In its native environment, Opuntia robusta can be found on rocky slopes, open shrub lands, woodlands, and mixed with other cactus and succulents at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 feet (1,500 to 3,000 m). Although mature plants produce shallowly bowl-shaped, yellow flowers up to 7cm across in summer, and spherical, red fruits, it is unlikely for these to be produced outside of its native range, such as in the UK. On the other hand, Bartolona is an extremely rare houseplant that requires very little water to thrive. It thrives best in long-lasting, direct light and should be positioned less than 1 foot from a window. This plant prefers soil that is extremely well-draining, and it is recommended to repot it each time it doubles in size. Fertilizers may not be necessary if this repotting routine is followed. In summary, Opuntia robusta is a native cactus species from Mexico, while Bartolona is a rare houseplant that requires specific care regarding water, light, and soil conditions.

Common names

Wheel Cactus

How to care for Wheel Cactus

Water

Wheel Cactus does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

When growing the Wheel Cactus, it's important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and does not retain excessive moisture. An optimal soil mix should contain a high proportion of perlite or vermiculite for good drainage and some organic matter for nourishment. Simply add a few scoops of perlite to regular cactus soil to achieve this.

Lighting

Wheel Cactus requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Wheel Cactus is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Wheel Cactus to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

Wheel Cactus plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.

Fertilizer

The Wheel Cactus grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Wheel Cactus’s native range is the Americas.


More info:
Wikipedia