Opuntia ID

I placed two fairly random orders for spineless cactus. Results were mixed.

First was $16.50 via Amazon listed as Opuntia cacanapa


The second was $23.91 shipped from Etsy listed as Opuntia cochenillifera.


Based on the images Google returned of O. cochenillifera, I think it’s unlikely what was sent.

Can anyone positively ID either of these varieties? With any luck one will grown in zone 9a.

They look the same to me and look just like the ones I feed except mine seem to have more of the raised thorn/needle beds.

RichardS said:

I placed two fairly random orders for spineless cactus. Results were mixed.

First was $16.50 via Amazon listed as Opuntia cacanapa
View attachment 349624

The second was $23.91 shipped from Etsy listed as Opuntia cochenillifera.
View attachment 349625

Based on the images Google returned of O. cochenillifera, I think it’s unlikely what was sent.

Can anyone positively ID either of these varieties? With any luck one will grown in zone 9a.

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I have that type. I don't know what it is called but the tortoises love it. It gets some freeze damage at the tips of the newest outermost pads in winter if temps drop into the 20s, but it survives and comes back strong every year.

Tom said:

I have that type. I don't know what it is called but the tortoises love it. It gets some freeze damage at the tips of the newest outermost pads in winter if temps drop into the 20s, but it survives and comes back strong every year.

Click to expand...

Great news! Thanks!

I got some huge ones from Texas Prickly Pear a few years ago. I am growing my own but now having scale probs....very humid here. Those are spineless like some others I got from another source....he likes them just fine. And, scale does not like them.

I have two large pots growing of spineless Opuntia via Mr Ray in Florida. I planted about 10 pads in one pot & another 10 in a second pot. They had already scabbed over where broken off the main trunk when i received them. Plopped them in some basic soil, watered & now growing nicely.

I’m sure urs will grow well in warm & sunny South Carolina. 👍

Ps - don’t over water initially, but don’t be too skimpy once you see signs of new growth! 🌱

The Mexican market has about that much those for $2-4.00.