{"product_id":"opuntia-cochenillifera","title":"Opuntia cochenillifera - edible fruits","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOpuntia cochenillifera\u003c\/strong\u003e is a spectacular cactus native to Central America and Mexico, valued for its large, intensely green pads, almost spineless. With a tropical appearance and vigorous growth, this species quickly becomes a focal point in any cactus collection or xerophytic garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the warm season, it produces elegant flowers ranging from bright pink to reddish-purple, followed by decorative, \u003cstrong\u003eedible\u003c\/strong\u003e fruits with juicy pulp. Over time, the species has also been cultivated for raising the cochineal insect (\u003cem\u003eDactylopius coccus\u003c\/em\u003e), used to obtain the natural carmine dye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🌿 \u003cstrong\u003eBotanical characteristics:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFull name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eOpuntia cochenillifera\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSynonym:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eNopalea cochenillifera\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nopal, Paddle Cactus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cactaceae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlant type: perennial cactus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge, flat pads, intense green\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery few or no spines, but equipped with fine glochids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlowers from bright pink to reddish-purple\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduces red, decorative, and edible fruits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🌞 \u003cstrong\u003eGrowing conditions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e very well-drained, mineral, intended for cacti and succulents.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e low; water only after the substrate is completely dry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum temperature tolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e approximately \u003cstrong\u003e-6°C to -8°C\u003c\/strong\u003e under normal conditions. Mature specimens grown in very well-drained soil and kept almost completely dry during winter can tolerate lower temperatures for short periods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🌱 \u003cstrong\u003eSecret Garden recommendation:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e👉 For optimal development, we recommend \u003cstrong\u003eSecret Garden Professional Substrate for Cacti, Succulents, and Adenium – SG MIX\u003c\/strong\u003e, formulated for excellent drainage and optimal root aeration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e➡️ \u003cstrong\u003eSee the Secret Garden substrate range:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/secretgarden.ro\/collections\/substraturi-si-pamant-pentru-plante\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehttps:\/\/secretgarden.ro\/collections\/substraturi-si-pamant-pentru-plante\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✨ \u003cstrong\u003eWhat makes it special:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003elarge pads with a tropical look;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003evigorous growth;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003espectacular flowers followed by edible fruits;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003erequires very little maintenance;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ehistoric species used for raising the carmine-producing cochineal;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eideal for dry gardens, greenhouses, and cactus collections.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e📌 \u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e The fruits are edible when fully ripe. The pads have \u003cstrong\u003eglochids\u003c\/strong\u003e (very fine hairs) that can cause irritation upon skin contact, so handling with gloves is recommended. Pads may show minor aesthetic imperfections or superficial scars from handling and transport, which do not affect the plant’s health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight including pot: approx. 30 cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Secret Garden Outdoor","offers":[{"title":"12 cm pot","offer_id":56988639166790,"sku":null,"price":8.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0558\/5551\/3798\/files\/IMG-7220.png?v=1784647394","url":"https:\/\/secretgarden.ro\/en-lu\/products\/opuntia-cochenillifera","provider":"Secret Garden Plant Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}