Opuntia rufida aka Blind Prickly Pear Cactus

Taxonomy

Opuntia rufida, also known as blind prickly pear or cow blinder, is a species of prickly pear cactus that is native to southwestern Texas and northern Mexico. This multi-branched cactus can reach up to 3 to 5 feet tall and is characterized by its short trunk and subcircular, obovate, or elliptical tomentose pads. Although the plant is spineless, its areoles are covered with red-brown glochids, which can be carried away by the wind and potentially blind animals. In mid-spring, Opuntia rufida produces a profusion of brilliant yellow flowers that change to orange and red and measure 3 to 4 inches across. During summer, the plant bears oblong fruit that is bright red to purple and 2 to 3 inches long. One popular cultivar of Opuntia rufida is the Opuntia Rufida Minima Monstrose. This cactus is a super rare houseplant that requires very little water to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be situated less than 1 foot from a window. Opuntia rufida is closely related to Opuntia microdasys and is sometimes considered a subspecies of it.

Common names

Blind Prickly Pear Cactus, Blind Pricklypear

How to care for Blind Prickly Pear Cactus

Difficulty

Blind Prickly Pear Cactus is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Blind Prickly Pear Cactus does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

When it comes to the Blind Prickly Pear Cactus, a potting soil that is too moist can cause problems. For this reason, it's important to use a soil mix that is well-draining and does not retain too much moisture. A soil that includes perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can achieve this by simply adding a few scoops of perlite to your store-bought cactus soil.

Lighting

Blind Prickly Pear Cactus requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Blind Prickly Pear Cactus will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Blind Prickly Pear Cactus to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Humidity

Blind Prickly Pear Cactus enjoys dry environments, but misting the plant or providing extra humidity can create an environment for harmful fungi to thrive on the leaves.

Fertilizer

The growth of Blind Prickly Pear Cactus is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Blind Prickly Pear Cactus’s native range is the Americas.


More info:
Wikipedia