Habitat and Location:
Opuntia monacanthos is an unusual succulent that grows into a small tree, native to the seasonally dry areas of Brazil and Uruguay. This species thrives in sandy or rocky areas in lowland and open forests where it grows as a terrestrial in the undergrowth, in the open, or amongst rocks.
 
Description and Key Features:
Opuntia monacanthos attains heights of 5 metres in the wild but cultivated plants are considerably less. The spines are actually a multitude of fine hairs measure 3-4 cm, and cause skin irritation. The flowers are bright yellow. The fruits are a brightly coloured reddish colour.
 
Care Instructions:
For optimal growth, Opuntia monacanthos should be placed in bright light. Plant in a media consisting of grit, soil, sand, and gravel. Water the plant irregularly, keeping the media mostly dry. This species is ideal for a south facing window ledge or south facing conservatory.
 
Maintain an intermediate to warm environment with daytime temperatures ranging from 22-38 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures between 11-18 degrees Celsius. Opuntia monacanthos refers low humidity, ideally below 50%. 
 
Specifications:
 
Plant Size: Plants 20 cm
Family: Cactaceae
Plant Passport: A Opuntia monacanthos B 140084 c 13100 d GB