Opuntia tuna is part of the Cactaceae family and its native range and its native range is Jamaica, this plant is sometimes labelled Opuntia jamaicensis.
Genus name may come from the old Latin Pliny used possibly in reference to the Greek town Opus where a succulent cactus-like plant was believed to grow. There is another idea that it comes from the Papago Indian name “opun”. The specific epithet is thought to be derived from the Carribean word ‘tun’ meaning fruit or seed.
Pot: ø 12cm.
Height: Approximately 25cm from base of pot.
Light: Provide this Opuntia with full sun, you should grow it in a place that receives bright, filtered sunlight during the day.
Water: Allow the potting mix to dry out completely between waterings, aerate the mix with a few pokes of a skewer or blunt stick, pour water slowly over the top and allow the water to pass through the drainage holes.
Potting mix: A well draining potting mix containing coco coir, gravel, horticultural sand and perlite.
Fertilising: Feed using a cactus specific fertiliser.
Temperature: Up to 38°C in summer and winter temperatures between 7-13°C.
Humidity: Average home humidity is fine.
Although this plant is non-toxic, keep out of reach of pets and children as the spines can be painful and irritating.