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    • Photo of Opuntia rufida 'Desert Gem' form by Cactus Jungle

    Photo by Cactus Jungle

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

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    Opuntia rufida 'Desert Gem'

    Also Known As

    • Opuntia rufida f. dwarf
    • Desert Gem Prickly Pear

    Plant type

    cactus / succulent

    size

    • H: 6"-10"
    • W: 12"-24"

    planting zones

    • 9b-12

    More Options

    Opuntia rufida 'Desert Gem' plant details

    Opuntia rufida 'Desert Gem' is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green foliage. In spring and summer orange flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia rufida 'Desert Gem'

    Plant type: cactus / succulent
    Plant family: cactaceae
    Foliage: evergreen green
    Mature size: 12 IN - 24 IN - wide, 6 IN - 10 IN - tall
    Flowers: orange blooms in spring and summer
    Uses: container plant, desert garden, houseplant, rock garden, spiky, xeric

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia rufida 'Desert Gem'

    USDA Zones: 9b - 12
    Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
    Watering frequency: occasional - low
    Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat and verticillium wilt
    Soil needs: gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    Full Sun to Light Shade. Outdoor. Orange Flowers.

    By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

    Miniature prickly pear with lots of tiny glochids; to 10" h; orange flowers. Hardy to 28 °F.

    By: Cactus Jungle

    Gardening facts about Opuntia rufida 'Desert Gem' plant

    How to Grow Opuntia rufida 'Desert Gem'

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun - mostly sun

    • Water Needs

      • occasional - drought tolerant

    • Water Needs

      • dry in winter

    • Soil Needs

      • lean
      • well-drained
      • rocky
      • gritty

    • Special Situation

      • heat tolerant
      • verticillium wilt resistant

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green

    • Flower Color

      • orange

    • Wildlife

      • deer resistant
      • rabbit resistant

    • Flower Season

      • spring
      • summer

    • Foliage Season

      • evergreen

    • Texture

      • fuzzy

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