Origin This plant is native to southeastern Arizona and Texas in the US and northern Sonora, in Mexico
Description This Prickly Pear stands out even more than others with its striking colouring on top of its unusual shape. Each paddle-shaped 'leaf' is covered in dark spikes, which extend outwards from the deepest purple patches on the surface of the leaves. The rest of the leaf's pale green is tinted violet, striking colouring which draws even more attention- once the huge spikes and dramatic silhouette of the plant have established its place as the centre of attention! This dramatic plant doesn't need too much care, though; as long as it has a nice spot in the sun, it only needs the occasional water and will appreciate being admired from afar. Light Thrives best in bright light; will love your brightest windowsill (try South-facing if in doubt!). Water Allow all the soil to dry out between watering; if the pads curl it may have too much sun and too little water; if it starts to grow mushy or rot at the roots, likely too much water and too little sun.
Humidity Low humidity is perfect for cacti; a hose down to clean now and again is fine as long as the plant dries and doesn't sit damp.
Soil Needs a well-draining pot and potting mix; look for specific 'cacti and succulent' soils with plenty of sand and other well-draining materials. Only repot if absolutely necessary: use the next size pot up, repot in the spring, and no more frequently than every three years.
Food Feed every two months in the growing season, and every three in autumn and winter. Use 'cactus' labelled feed. Temperature Likes temperatures of 20-32°C; don't let it drop below 10°C in winter.
Pet-safe No, this plant is toxic to pets and small humans.
Sprouts Top Tips This is a flowering variety; to make it more likely you'll see the blooms, let it have a proper dormancy in autumn/winter with lower temperatures and less frequent watering and fertilising, and then increase these as the weather warms. The warmer the cactus is in summer, the more likely you'll see flowers!
We have launched our first (hopefully monthly) ‘Letter from the Founder’ blog post. I talk about a string of bad luck, from water gushing from various ceilings in my life to a break-in, and also reflect on the incredible work we have done to win two awards earlier this year. I look ahead to what’s coming up in August, projects we are working on with our clients, and some thoughts about the rest of the year. And I give an insight into my brain, why I am who I am and why I’m so thankful for all the opportunities, passion and excitement that running Sprouts has given me as a founder and as a woman.