Get ready to meet the Argentine cactus - 'Opuntia argentiniana', also known as Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis! This tree-like, perennial cactus is a true wonder of nature. With its peculiar habit and mode of growth, it's hard not to be impressed by this species. And did you know that Opuntia species are the most cold-tolerant of all lowland cacti? That means you can enjoy these stunning yellow flowers in even the chilliest climates.
To keep your Argentine cactus thriving, make sure to use well-drained porous soil and provide adequate airflow. In order to prevent root rot, it's crucial to let the soil completely dry out in between waterings. The most important thing to remember when caring for an Argentine cactus is to make sure it gets full (bright, direct) sunlight.
At heights of up to 66 feet (20 m), this incredible plant features thin cladodes on a cylindrical trunk covered with vivid green leaves and white areoles boasting long reddish-brown spines. But wait, there's more!
Opuntias, in general, are known for their ability to thrive in arid and desert-like conditions. They are drought-tolerant, making them suitable for those who forget to water their plants.
Popular varieties include Opuntia ficus-indica (Indian fig) with flat stems and vibrant flowers; Opuntia microdasys (Bunny Ear Cactus) with cute, bunny ear-shaped pads covered in tiny glochids; and Opuntia monacantha (drooping prickly pear) with long, drooping stems covered in sharp spines.
The show-stopping flowers range from pale yellow to bright yellow-orange, appearing exclusively on mature plants with fruits that come in pear-shaped shades of yellow, orange-red, or purple. Who knew something so fascinating could grow right in our backyards?
Whether you choose the Brazilian prickly pear, Indian fig, bunny ears, or drooping prickly pear, Opuntias are sure to bring a unique and fascinating touch to your indoor or outdoor garden.
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Resistance
Sun Exposure
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Early summer - late summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Opuntia argentiniana |
| Common Name | Brazilian Prickly Pear, Argentina Cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Genus | Opuntia |
| Growth Habit | Clumping |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | Up to 50 ft. tall |
| Native Area | Northern Argentina, Bolivia |
| Plant Type | Perennial cactus |
| Propagation | By stem cuttings |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, heat resistance, pets resistance |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | specialized cactus potting soil |
| Special Features | Showy flowers |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Mild toxic for humans, mild toxic to pets (Keep away from Children) |
| Watering Needs | Low |
- Description
- Key Plant Features
Get ready to meet the Argentine cactus - 'Opuntia argentiniana', also known as Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis! This tree-like, perennial cactus is a true wonder of nature. With its peculiar habit and mode of growth, it's hard not to be impressed by this species. And did you know that Opuntia species are the most cold-tolerant of all lowland cacti? That means you can enjoy these stunning yellow flowers in even the chilliest climates.
To keep your Argentine cactus thriving, make sure to use well-drained porous soil and provide adequate airflow. In order to prevent root rot, it's crucial to let the soil completely dry out in between waterings. The most important thing to remember when caring for an Argentine cactus is to make sure it gets full (bright, direct) sunlight.
At heights of up to 66 feet (20 m), this incredible plant features thin cladodes on a cylindrical trunk covered with vivid green leaves and white areoles boasting long reddish-brown spines. But wait, there's more!
Opuntias, in general, are known for their ability to thrive in arid and desert-like conditions. They are drought-tolerant, making them suitable for those who forget to water their plants.
Popular varieties include Opuntia ficus-indica (Indian fig) with flat stems and vibrant flowers; Opuntia microdasys (Bunny Ear Cactus) with cute, bunny ear-shaped pads covered in tiny glochids; and Opuntia monacantha (drooping prickly pear) with long, drooping stems covered in sharp spines.
The show-stopping flowers range from pale yellow to bright yellow-orange, appearing exclusively on mature plants with fruits that come in pear-shaped shades of yellow, orange-red, or purple. Who knew something so fascinating could grow right in our backyards?
Whether you choose the Brazilian prickly pear, Indian fig, bunny ears, or drooping prickly pear, Opuntias are sure to bring a unique and fascinating touch to your indoor or outdoor garden.
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Resistance
Sun Exposure
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Early summer - late summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Opuntia argentiniana |
| Common Name | Brazilian Prickly Pear, Argentina Cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Genus | Opuntia |
| Growth Habit | Clumping |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | Up to 50 ft. tall |
| Native Area | Northern Argentina, Bolivia |
| Plant Type | Perennial cactus |
| Propagation | By stem cuttings |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, heat resistance, pets resistance |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | specialized cactus potting soil |
| Special Features | Showy flowers |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Mild toxic for humans, mild toxic to pets (Keep away from Children) |
| Watering Needs | Low |
