Opuntia canterae

How to grow this unusual looking cactus

This is one of my favourite houseplants out of those I’ve ever grown. It was given to me by Alan Bridger who kindly donated hundreds of succulents to our open garden plant sales for the National Garden Scheme when we used to live in London. It was labelled as Opuntia, and I believe it is either a cultivar or hybrid of Opuntia canterae (previously called Opuntia elata).

I am growing three cuttings I planted in spring in a handmade ceramic pot given to me by West Yorkshire artist, Rob Hopper. I love the colour and shiny-smooth texture of the segments and the way they grow upward like pebble sculptures.

Need to know about Opuntia canterae

All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti - think of cacti as a subgroup within succulents. Opuntia are a genus of cactus from North and South America. Though they were introduced around the world and can now be seen in the wild from warmer parts of Europe to Australia.

Opuntia canterae is endemic to Uruguay (Kew) and is fast growing, er…