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ABOUT THIS CACTUS
Opuntia Mamilaris Monstrose Cactus, VERY RARE This unusual cactus forms boxing glove shaped pads that will become a very thick with age. On occasion, the plant will send up an uncrested shoot of its original Opuntia Subulata. Opuntia cacti make outstanding landscape or patio plants. Whether in ground or in a container they thrive on neglect. Water when dry and keep away from heavy frost.
These are very healthy Cactus with well established root systems. In a container, your new Opuntia Mamilaris Monstrose will add rich desert feel to your porch or patio, in the ground it can reach it’s full potential in just a season or two when planted in a well drained, sandy cactus mix.
Please note: Plants may be trimmed prior to shipping to reduce transpiration and travel stress. The growth rate of Opuntia Mamilaris Monstrose will vary greatly depending on season, soil type, sunlight, temperature and other factors. Always changing!
CACTUS CARE
Opuntia Mamilaris Monstrose are very easy to grow drought tollerant Cactus that and seem to grow best when neglected. They add a wonderful accent to any desert garden or patio. In very cold zones a containerized Opuntia Mamilaris Monstrose can be brought inside for the winter months. In the northern end of their grow zone Opuntia Mamilaris Monstrose Cactus should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months.
When you receive your new Cactus open your box carefully and water if dry. Please take your time when opening. Most damage occurs when the box is ripped open in the excitement of receiving new plants. Many plants, especially succulents, are very fragile and need to be handled cautiously.
CONTAINER SIZE
Cactus grow very well in patio containers. Allow enough room for growth generally a 10″ to a 20″ diameter, 10″ deep container will suffice, however the smaller variety Cactus will do well in a 6″ round pot. Remember the looser the roots, the taller and healthier your Cactus will be. When the Cactus becomes root bound its growth will slow. At that point it is time for a larger pot.
SOIL
Opuntia Mamilaris Monstrose enjoy well drained, sandy cactus mix. Remember try to stay away from wet, mucky soils.
FERTILIZER
To help establish your new Opuntia Mamilaris Monstrose, fertilize sparingly, biannually with a slow time release 15-5-10. Unfertilized they will tend to grow very slowly. WARNING – The heavy salts in cheaper fertilizers may damage the roots thus killing the Cactus.
GROW ZONE & LIGHT
Best outdoors if grown in zone 9b-11, find your zone here. This Cactus requires 85-100% sunlight. Depending on your location full sun is best. The patio zone is 4b-11 which means the potted Cactus will flourish over the summer months in this zone but must be brought inside for the winter months. (avoid frost)
BEFORE YOU PLANT OUTDOORS
Here at Kens Nursery these Cactus are grown under 20-40% shade cloth. If you plant directly in full sun you may experience burn. It is best to acclimate this Cactus to its environment by keeping it outside and slowly moving it into a sunny area over a week or two to avoid stress before planting.
WHAT IS THE SHIPPING SIZE
All Cactus for sale will vary in size. In the spring, Cactus are often smaller than plants shipped in the fall. Most Cactus designated with a sku ending in -4, or -3 will arrive in a standard 4 inch or 2.75 inch growers pot respectively. Kens new, reusable, recyclable deep cells are 5 to 7 inches deep and 1 to 2.5 inches in diameter. Products growing in these cells are easy to transplant and allow for deeper, faster growth and are designated with a -5, or -7. (Note: The item sku number can be found just below the buy button.) The color and style of these pots may vary. If we are out of a particular size item, we may ship a larger size at no additional charge. You can see the various pot sizes and actual plants ready to ship. (click-here)
Note: Before leaving, Cactus are inspected, pruned if necessary to facilitate shipping. Your new Cactus is then bagged to keep the soil moist, to ensure that the soil stays in the pot and not loose in the box. Then your Cactus is tissue or kraft paper wrapped and secured in place with natural biodegradable peanuts. You will be pleased. You may want to buy Opuntia Mamilaris Monstrose online now while they are in stock.