All About Purple Cactus Varieties
Purple cactus varieties are not as common as green cacti, but they are definitely unique and eye-catching. If you’re interested in growing purple cacti, here’s a guide to some of the most popular varieties:
Purple Cactus Varieties with Purple Pads
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Purple Prickly Pear (Opuntia macrocentra): This cactus has unique, clumping pads that are a deep purple color. The color becomes even more intense during dry weather. In late spring, it produces yellow flowers with reddish centers.
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Santa Rita Prickly Pear (Opuntia violacea): Also known as violet prickly pear, this cactus has beautiful pads that are a rich purple or reddish pink. It blooms in spring with yellow or red flowers, followed by red fruit in summer.
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Beaver Tail Prickly Pear (Opuntia basilaris): This cactus has paddle-shaped leaves that are bluish gray with a pale purple tint. It produces purple, red, or pink flowers and yellow fruit.
Purple Cactus Varieties with Vibrant Purple Flowers
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Strawberry Hedgehog (Echinocereus engelmannii): This attractive cactus forms clusters and produces purple or magenta funnel-shaped blooms. Its spiny fruit starts out green and turns pink as it ripens.
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Catclaws (Ancistrocactus uncinatus): Also known as Turk’s head or Texas hedgehog, this cactus has blooms that are a deep, brownish-purple or dark, reddish-pink.
Other Purple Cactus Varieties
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Old Man Opuntia (Austrocylindropuntia vestita): This cactus is named for its interesting, beard-like “fur.” When conditions are right, it produces beautiful deep red or pinkish purple blooms at the top of its stems.
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Old Lady Cactus (Mammillaria hahniana): This small cactus develops a crown of tiny purple or pink flowers in spring and summer. Its stems are covered with white fuzzy hair-like spines, giving it an unusual appearance.
Growing Purple Cacti
Growing purple cacti is a fun and rewarding experience. The care requirements vary depending on the variety you choose, but here are some general tips:
- Sunlight: Most purple cacti need full sun to thrive.
- Water: Water your cactus deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Soil: Use a well-draining cactus potting mix.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize your cactus monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Choosing the Right Purple Cactus Variety
When choosing a purple cactus variety, consider the following factors:
- Size: Purple cacti come in a variety of sizes, from small to large.
- Shape: Purple cacti have different shapes, including clumping, columnar, and paddle-shaped.
- Color: The intensity of the purple color can vary from pale to deep.
- Flowers: Some purple cacti produce vibrant purple flowers, while others have flowers in other colors.
By considering these factors, you can choose the perfect purple cactus variety for your garden or collection.
