🚨Cold Weather Shipping Pause ❄️ Live plants will ship once temps are above 32°F. 🥶 Local NYC delivery available. 🚚

Opuntia cochenillifera - Variegated Prickly Pear Cactus

Ed's Plant Shop  |  SKU: EPS-MICRO-BLUEOIL-3IN

Size
$19.99
Taxes, discounts and shipping calculated at checkout.

Description

A Bold, Colorful Statement for Your Space!

Add a touch of desert beauty to your home or garden with the Variegated Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia monacantha ‘Variegata’). Featuring striking paddle-shaped pads splashed with green, cream, and hints of pink or red, this low-maintenance, high-impact plant is perfect for indoor and outdoor settings. With its unique variegation and drought-tolerant nature, this cactus is ideal for both beginner plant parents and seasoned collectors.


Plant Profile

  • Botanical Name: Opuntia monacantha ‘Variegata’
  • Common Name: Variegated Prickly Pear Cactus
  • Family: Cactaceae
  • Native Range: South America (Argentina & Brazil)
  • Growth Habit: Upright, branching pads
  • Mature Size: Can reach 3-6 feet tall with time

Variegated Prickly Pear Care Guide

Light: Thrives in full sun—place near a bright window indoors or outdoors in direct sunlight.
Water: Allow soil to fully dry between waterings; infrequent watering is best to prevent rot.
Humidity: Prefers dry conditions; no misting needed.
Temperature: Keep above 50°F (10°C)—heat-tolerant but sensitive to frost.
Soil: Well-draining cactus/succulent mix; sandy or gritty soil works best.
Feeding: Use a cactus fertilizer during spring and summer for healthy growth.
Pruning: Minimal pruning—just remove any damaged or dead pads as needed.


What’s Special About the Variegated Prickly Pear?

🌵 Striking Variegation: Each pad features a one-of-a-kind mix of cream, green, and pink hues.
🌵 Low-Maintenance: Thrives on neglect, making it an easy-care plant for busy individuals.
🌵 Unique Growth Habit: Over time, it develops an upright, sculptural form, perfect for statement displays.
🌵 Drought-Resistant: Stores water in its thick pads, allowing it to withstand dry conditions effortlessly.


Fun Fact: A Natural Survivalist!

The Variegated Prickly Pear isn’t just beautiful—it’s an adaptation expert! Its thick, fleshy pads store water for survival in arid conditions, while its spines reduce moisture loss and deter herbivores.


A Bit of History: From South America to Your Home

Native to Argentina and Brazil, this variegated beauty is a standout member of the Prickly Pear family, a genus historically valued for its edible fruit, medicinal properties, and ornamental appeal. Unlike its edible cousins, this variety is prized purely for its unique coloration and striking aesthetic.


Why You’ll Love It

Perfect for Indoor & Outdoor Spaces
Hardy & Drought-Tolerant
A Stunning, Low-Maintenance Houseplant
Rare & Collectible – A True Conversation Starter!

Upgrade your plant collection with the Variegated Prickly Pear Cactus today and bring a touch of the desert into your home with minimal effort and maximum impact! 🌿

Live Plants – Frequently Asked Questions

Shipping

How are live plants shipped?

All live plants are carefully prepared and hand-packed to protect them during transit. Plants are shipped in their pots (not bare-root), with soil secured using polyfill to prevent shifting. Stems and foliage are supported with paper wrapping to reduce movement and minimize stress during shipping. We may adjust shipping timing based on weather conditions to protect plant health.

When will my plant ship?

Most live plant orders ship within 5–15 business days. Shipping may be delayed during extreme heat or cold to protect plant health. Processing time is separate from transit time.

Do you ship live plants year-round?

Yes, we ship year-round when conditions are safe. During extreme weather, we may temporarily hold shipments rather than risk damage in transit.

What should I expect when my plant arrives?

Minor shipping stress is normal. This may include slight leaf drop, drooping, or cosmetic blemishes. Most plants recover after a short adjustment period with proper care.

My plant lost leaves during shipping — is it dead?

Not necessarily. Leaf loss can occur due to shipping stress or temperature changes, especially in winter. As long as the plant shows signs of life at the root or stem level, it is considered viable and may recover.

How can I protect my plant during cold weather shipping?

During colder months, we may recommend adding a Heat pack to help reduce transit stress. Heat packs help mitigate risk but do not eliminate the possibility of cosmetic cold stress.

Do you offer heat packs?

Yes. Heat packs are available during colder months and are recommended when temperatures may affect plant health in transit. Please note that heat packs reduce risk but do not guarantee plant health, especially during extreme weather.

How long will it take to receive my order?

Most orders ship within 5–15 business days from the date of purchase.

We are a small, independently operated team, and all plants are inspected, prepared, and packed by hand. Unlike standard retail items, live plants require careful timing and handling to ensure safe delivery.

Processing times may be extended during:

  • Holidays and peak seasons
  • Extreme weather conditions
  • Carrier delays outside of our control

Processing time is separate from transit time.

Will my plant look like the one on the website?

Good question — and we’re glad you asked. Because we work with living plants, our inventory is always changing, and plants are often grown and shipped in batches. This makes it impractical to photograph every individual plant.

The photos on each product page are representative of the average size and fullness of that plant at the time of listing. While natural variation is expected — some plants may be slightly larger or smaller — your plant will be similar in overall appearance and quality.

Each plant is hand-selected and packed with care to ensure it arrives healthy and ready to grow.

What should I do after unboxing my plant?

Unbox your plant promptly, place it in bright, indirect light, and allow a few days to adjust before repotting or making changes. See our Plant Unboxing Guide for detailed tips.

Do you offer express shipping?

Express shipping may be available on select items at checkout. Please note that faster shipping does not always eliminate weather-related risks and processing for live plants. Need your order sooner? Send an email to support@edsplantshop.com

Where do you ship?

We ship our selection of rare, healthy, and unique houseplants all across the United States including California. At this time, due to customs and agricultural limitations, we are unable to ship plants internationally from the United States.

Returns and Refunds

What is your 15-Day plant health guarantee?

Small plants (8” nursery pots and under) are covered by our 15-Day Plant Health Guarantee, starting from the delivery date.

Large plants (10” nursery pots and above) have a 48-hour inspection and reporting window from delivery.

Coverage applies to severe and irreversible decline through no fault of the customer. Full details are outlined in our Refund & Returns Policy.

What should I do if my plant arrives damaged?

Please email us at support@edsplantshop.com within the inspection window with clear photos of the plant and packaging. Do not discard the plant or materials until our team reviews your case.

What is your return policy for non-plant items?

Approved non-plant items may be returned within 30 days of delivery, subject to the following:

  • Items must be unused and in original packaging
  • Prior approval is required
  • A 15% restocking fee applies
  • Customers are responsible for return shipping

Final-sale items are not eligible for return or refund.

Can I cancel my live plant order?

Live plant orders may be canceled only if they have not entered fulfillment. Once packing or shipping has begun, orders cannot be canceled.

Can I return or exchange a plant?

At this time, we do not accept returns on plants. In extreme circumstances where a return of a plant is necessary, the customer is responsible for the return shipping and a refund will only be issued if the plant arrives back to us in living condition.

How long will it take to receive my refund?

Refunds are processed within 3-7 days from when we receive the item(s).

Still have questions?

👉 [View our full FAQ & Policies] or Email us at support@edsplantshop.com with your order number, photos, and any questions. We’re happy to help.