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    • Photo of Nopalea cochenillifera [variegated] flower by Danger Garden

    Photo by Danger Garden

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

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    Nopalea cochenillifera [variegated]

    Also Known As

    • Nopalea cochenillifera f. variegata
    • Opuntia cochenillifera f. variegata
    • Velvet Cactus
    • Warm Hand Cactus

    Plant type

    tree, shrub, cactus / succulent

    size

    • H: 3'-10'
    • W: 2'-10'

    planting zones

    • 9a-12

    More Options

    Nopalea cochenillifera [variegated] plant details

    Nopalea cochenillifera [variegated] is an evergreen cactus / succulent, shrub or tree with chartreuse, green and variegated foliage. In spring and summer magenta flowers emerge. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - bright shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in average, gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Nopalea cochenillifera [variegated]

    Plant type: cactus / succulent, shrub or tree
    Plant family: cactaceae
    Foliage: evergreen chartreuse, green and variegated
    Mature size: 2 FT - 10 FT - wide, 3 FT - 10 FT - tall
    Flowers: magenta blooms in spring and summer
    Uses: container plant, desert garden, houseplant, rock garden, spineless, xeric

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Nopalea cochenillifera [variegated]

    USDA Zones: 9a - 12
    Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
    Watering frequency: occasional - low
    Resistant to: heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
    Soil needs: average, gritty, rocky and well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    This rare, spineless cactus has flattened, fleshy modified stems that are often referred to as pads or leaves. Each pad can reach 6" tall and they have an attractive green and yellow variegation. Mature plants reach 3-4' tall by 20" wide. Grow in a well-drained cactus soil in full to partial sun. Older plants will develop a bark-like, woody skin at the base. In many Central American cultures, eating Opuntia Cactus is considered a healthy addition to one's diet and it's reputed to reduce inflammation within the body.

    By: Logee's Plants for Home & Garden

    Sometimes known botanically as Nopalea cochenillifera f. variegata, this thornless species is commonly called Velvet or Warm Hand Cactus. The flat pads have an interesting green on green variegation, and are without those punishing prickers. Plants can grow 3-4' tall and wide. Like most succulents, it likes well drained soil and a sun location.

    By: Avant Gardens

    Gardening facts about Nopalea cochenillifera [variegated] plant

    How to Grow Nopalea cochenillifera [variegated]

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun - bright shade

    • Water Needs

      • occasional - drought tolerant

    • Water Needs

      • dry in winter

    • Soil Needs

      • average
      • well-drained
      • rocky
      • gritty

    • Special Situation

      • heat tolerant
      • humidity tolerant
      • verticillium wilt resistant

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • variegated
      • chartreuse
      • green

    • Flower Color

      • magenta

    • Wildlife

      • bees

    • Flower Season

      • summer
      • spring

    • Foliage Season

      • evergreen

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