Opuntia zebrina f. reticulata | Cobra Cactus
€26,50
🌱 Morphology
A horticultural form with relatively compact growth, featuring flat, elongated cladodes with irregular outlines that may appear narrower, wider, or slightly deformed. The characteristic that makes it unmistakable is the presence of a network of lines and scars that runs across the surface of the pads, creating a pattern resembling reptile skin. The coloration of the cladodes can vary between green and grayish-green, and the contrast of the reticulation increases under intense lighting.
The areoles are distributed over the cladodes and feature glochids and small, rigid spines, although at first glance it may appear practically unarmed. The glochids are very irritating and should be handled with caution. The branching is irregular, and over time it can form a compact, sculptural bush.
🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family
It is not considered a distinct wild population, but rather a horticultural form of European origin. Its nomenclature has historically been associated with Opuntia zebrina and Opuntia dillenii, names which have in turn been treated in various ways in taxonomic literature.
It belongs to the Cactaceae family.
❄️ Temperature · USDA Zone 9a–11b
It tolerates minimum temperatures of down to −5 ºC during brief episodes if the specimen is completely dry and acclimatized. Selected specimens have been observed to withstand lower temperatures under dry conditions, but this should not be considered a general hardiness for the form.
☀️ Lighting
It requires very intense light to maintain compact growth and encourage the expression of its characteristic reticulated pattern. It can be grown in full sun, provided a progressive acclimatization is carried out when it comes from protected conditions.
As a guideline for active growth, a PAR DLI of 20–30 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ is recommended.
💧 Growth cycle and watering
Winter rest. During winter, it is recommended to keep it practically dry, especially when temperatures are low. Excess moisture combined with cold increases the risk of rot.
During spring and summer, water abundantly, allowing the substrate to dry completely before the next watering. In late summer and autumn, space out waterings progressively until entering winter rest.
🌸 Flowering
Flowering may occur during the warm months, although it may be scarce in young specimens or those grown indoors. The flowers are typical of the Opuntia group, yellow in color, and appear on mature cladodes.
🌿 Nutrition
During the active growth period, a fertilizer with a high content of assimilable calcium and low nitrogen levels is recommended, such as Desert CHOICE® Cactáceas, applied once a month when watering. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Floración.
This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a professional square pot, with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.
📏 Gourmet xerophyte in a 16x16 cm pot.
* As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the specimen sent may vary slightly from the product image. The measurements of the plant are specified in the photo description, but this may also vary slightly, because it is a living thing! Each of the plants at Desert CITY has unique characteristics.
- Shipped today? Order within:
- Hassle-free returns
- Free Shipping on orders over €79.99
Expert advice with every purchase
Our team provides you with personalized advice on caring for your plants and growing media.
-
Secure and protected payment guaranteed.
