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Road kill cactus - Consolea rubescens

Consolea rubescens
Road kill cactus

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More information

A tropical tree-like cactus, characterised by its prickly pears evolving into cylindrical stems. This succulent requires strong light, a well-draining substrate, and moderate watering. Grown in a pot in a living room or conservatory, it fits perfectly into a minimalist or exotic decor, either alone or combined with other succulent plants.  
Watering frequency
Low (once a fortnight)
Indoor exposure
Direct sunlight
Benefits and advantages
Graphics port
Benefits and advantages
Requires little water

Description

Consolea rubescens, also known as Opuntia rubescens or mistakenly labelled as Opuntia consolea, is a tropical cactus with a slender habit, recognisable by its flat and elongated prickly pears, which evolve into cylindrical branches with age. Native to the Caribbean, this species stands out from other Opuntias due to its vertical growth and lack of rigid thorns at maturity. An original and ornamental plant, well-suited for cultivation in a sunny indoor space, requiring 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Consolea rubescens belongs to the Cactaceae family and naturally grows in the dry, coastal regions of the Caribbean, particularly in Puerto Rico, the Lesser Antilles, and the Virgin Islands. It is also known by the names Cactus rubescens, Consolea catacantha, Consolea guanicana, Consolea moniliformis subsp. rubescens, Opuntia guanicana. Unlike classic Opuntias, this species develops a tree-like habit, reaching a maximum height of 1 metre indoors. The young segments are bright green, flat and ovate, but as they age, they elongate and become cylindrical, giving the plant the appearance of a succulent tree. Although the young prickly pears bear glochidia (small spiny bristles), the mature branches are generally devoid of rigid thorns. Under optimal conditions, the plant produces orange-red to coral-pink flowers, followed by globose red fruits, which may appear indoors if the plant receives adequate sunlight.

Consolea rubescens requires 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It tolerates temperatures between 15 and 30 °C, but cannot withstand cold below 4 °C. A very well-draining substrate, composed of cactus compost, coarse sand, and perlite, is essential to prevent water retention. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry completely between waterings. During its winter rest periodsignificantly reduce watering. This cactus is resistant to diseases but may be susceptible to mealybugs in cases of water stress or excessive humidity.

With its tree-like habitConsolea rubescens adds character to a sunny living room, conservatory, or bright greenhouse. Place it in a terracotta pot to improve drainage and highlight its slender form. It can be paired with upright cacti and euphorbias, such as Euphorbia tirucalli or Austrocylindropuntia subulata, or with compact succulents like Graptopetalum paraguayense. For a contrast in textures, it can be combined with trailing succulents such as Senecio rowleyanus.

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Road kill cactus - Consolea rubescens in pictures

Road kill cactus - Consolea rubescens (Foliage) Foliage

Foliage

Foliage colour green
Foliage persistence Evergreen

Plant habit

Growth habit Dressed
Height at maturity 80 cm
Spread at maturity 40 cm
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour yellow
Flowering time June to August

Botanical data

Genus

Consolea

Species

rubescens

Family

Cactaceae

Other common names

Road kill cactus

Origin

North America, Central America, South America

Safety measures

Epineux ?
Product reference24088

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Location

Place it near a south-facing window with direct sunlight. In winter, keep it above 4°C.

Location

Indoor exposure Direct sunlight
For which room? Office, Lounge, Veranda
Growth habit Dressed
Height at maturity 80 cm
Spread at maturity 40 cm
Growth rate normal
Low temperature tolerance Frost protection (cold greenhouse), >10°C (temperate greenhouse)
Humidity level Moderate (40-60%), Dry (<40%)

Maintenance and care

Water moderately, allowing the compost to dry out completely between waterings. In winter, reduce watering to once a month.

Potting advice, substrates and fertilisers

Repot preferably in early spring, every 2 to 3 years, or when the young plant becomes too large for its pot.
Use a mix of succulent compost with draining elements such as coarse sand or perlite. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Apply a liquid fertiliser specially formulated for succulent plants (low in nitrogen, for example NPK 2-7-7), to be applied once a month during the growth period, in spring and summer.

Disease and pest advice

In case of mealybug infestation, gently clean the affected areas with a cotton bud soaked in 70% alcohol. Use a well-draining substrate to protect the roots from excess moisture.

Maintenance and care

Watering frequency Low (once a fortnight)
Fogging 1 time a week
Type of soil Cactus potting soil
Pests and diseases Mealybugs, Rots
Susceptibility to diseases Low
Ease of cultivation Beginner

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