Opuntia vestita cristata 8.5cm Care & Tips
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For days when straight lines feel boring 😏
Family: Cactaceae • Pot diameter: 8.5 cm • Height: ~12 cm
Crested form with undulating ridges and a white, soft coating of glochids that resembles fur. Its sculptural silhouette stands out in minimal pots and curated sets, adding texture, contrast, and interest even in very small spaces.
Very bright to sunny position with airflow. In pots: cactus mix/pumice for fast drainage and a pot with a drainage hole.
Goal: clean geometry, high light, consistently dry roots.
What “cristata” means: A natural change at the growth apex that creates a wavy, “combed” stem instead of cylindrical growth.
Selection & propagation: Crested forms are spotted and maintained in cultivation as collectible clones due to their unique aesthetics.
Identity: White “fuzzy” surface from dense glochids and short spines that accentuate the crest’s curves.
| 🔎 Item | Info |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Scientific name | Opuntia vestita cristata |
| 🪴 Pot/Size | Diameter 8.5 cm • Height ~12 cm |
| ☀️ Light | Full sun to very bright light |
| 💧 Water | Sparse — only when bone dry |
| 🌡️ Temperature | About 5–35°C • Protect from frost |
| 💦 Humidity | Low — good ventilation, avoid stagnant moisture |
| 🐾 Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets & children; beware glochids/spines (handle with gloves) |
Wavy, crested apex due to a change at the growth tip.
Yes — fine glochids and short spines. Handle with gloves.
In a very bright window/full sun. Prefers high light levels.
Stays small/compact for years; the crest extends as a “wave”.
© Original plant description by Greenleaf Garden Center. All rights reserved. | Το κείμενο αποτελεί πρωτότυπο υλικό. Απαγορεύεται η αντιγραφή (Νόμος 2121/1993).
🔎 Note: Due to natural variation, the plant you receive may differ slightly from the photo. Form, size or colouration depend on season, growing conditions and the nature of each plant.