{"product_id":"cochineal-nopal-prickly-pear-cactus-2-3-rooted-starter-plant","title":"Cochineal Nopal Prickly Pear Cactus – 2–3″ Rooted Starter Plant","description":"\u003ch2\u003eCochineal Nopal Prickly Pear Cactus\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStart with a live, rooted cactus instead of waiting for seeds to germinate. This listing is for one approximately 2–3 inch rooted starter plant, sold as \u003cem\u003eOpuntia cochenillifera\u003c\/em\u003e (also known as \u003cem\u003eNopalea cochenillifera\u003c\/em\u003e). Mature plants develop broad green pads and may produce distinctive reddish-pink flowers when grown in suitable conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note:\u003c\/strong\u003e The photos show mature plants and seasonal stages. The plant you receive is a young rooted starter and will be smaller than the mature specimens pictured. Natural variation in shape, color, and number of pads is expected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Choose This Rooted Starter Plant\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReceive a live, rooted plant—not seeds or an unrooted cutting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact 2–3 inch starting size for easy potting and establishment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDrought resistant once established in well-drained soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for sunny outdoor spaces in warm climates or container growing elsewhere\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMature plants can develop showy reddish-pink flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat’s in the Pack\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuantity: 1 live rooted Cochineal Nopal Prickly Pear starter plant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApproximate size at shipment: 2–3 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShips carefully wrapped for transit; decorative pot is not included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShipped from Palm Bay, Florida, USA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePlanting Instructions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnpack the plant promptly and inspect it after arrival.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlant the roots in a small container with drainage holes using a fast-draining cactus or succulent mix.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlace in bright light and gradually acclimate the young plant to full sun.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater lightly after planting, then allow the soil to dry between waterings. Never leave the roots in standing water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor outdoor growing, this species is best suited to approximately USDA growing zones 9–11. In colder climates, keep it in a movable container and protect it from frost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandling note:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prickly pear plants may have or develop tiny barbed glochids even when large spines are limited. Wear gloves and handle with care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e1. Is this listing for seeds or a live plant?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is for one live, rooted starter cactus. It is not a packet of seeds and not an unrooted pad.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e2. What size plant will I receive?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe selected size is approximately 2–3 inches at shipment. Because this is a living plant, exact height, pad shape, and growth stage will vary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e3. Will the starter plant look like the photos?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe photos show the species at several mature and flowering stages. Your starter plant will be smaller and may not have flowers or fruit when it arrives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e4. Can I grow it indoors?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. In colder regions, grow it in a container near a very bright window or under a suitable grow light, with excellent drainage and careful watering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e5. What growing zones are suitable outdoors?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse approximately USDA zones 9–11 as the outdoor guideline for this tropical prickly pear. Protect the plant from frost and check local conditions before planting in the ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e6. Are the pads and fruit edible?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is traditionally grown for edible pads called nopales and fruit called tunas. Wait for properly developed growth, remove all glochids safely, and follow reliable food-preparation guidance before consumption.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shipped from Palm Bay, Florida, USA","offers":[{"title":"2–3″ Rooted Starter Plant","offer_id":43281529798750,"sku":"SW-NOPAL-ROOTED-23","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2174\/6775\/files\/cochineal-nopal-prickly-pear-mature-flower.webp?v=1788588435","url":"https:\/\/seedsworld.online\/products\/cochineal-nopal-prickly-pear-cactus-2-3-rooted-starter-plant","provider":"Seed World","version":"1.0","type":"link"}