Road Kill Cactus - Opuntia Rubescens

Pot Size 17cm

Opuntia rubescens – Road Kill Cactus

 🌵🧡☀️

The Opuntia rubescens, commonly known as the Road Kill Cactus or Consolea rubescens, is a striking and unusual cactus with flattened, paddle-like stems that often grow horizontally, giving it a unique “sprawling” appearance. Its blue-green pads develop beautiful reddish-pink tones when exposed to bright light, creating a warm desert aesthetic perfect for sunny windowsills or cactus displays.

Key Features:

✔ Distinctive paddle-shaped stems with blush-red highlights

✔ Hardy and drought-tolerant – perfect for beginners

✔ Adds a sculptural, desert-inspired element to interiors or greenhouses

✔ Low-maintenance and long-lived

✔ Can produce small, vibrant flowers under ideal conditions

Care Instructions:

Light: Thrives in full sun or very bright light; place near a south-facing window or under grow lights.

Watering: Water sparingly — allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. In winter, reduce watering to a minimum.

Humidity: Prefers dry environments; avoid excess moisture.

Soil: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Add extra perlite or sand if needed.

Feeding: Fertilise once a month during spring and summer with a cactus feed.

Temperature: Ideal range is 18–32°C; protect from frost and temperatures below 10°C.

Growth: Can reach 60–100 cm tall indoors with age, forming branching paddles.

🌵 Tip: To enhance its rosy coloration, give your Road Kill Cactus plenty of bright sunlight — its sun-kissed tones are what make it truly stand out!