ID for slightly sad looking cactus

paulkyu · Post by **paulkyu** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 2:21 pm

I've just inherited this cactus from a colleague. it's about 4-6 inches high and spreads to about a foot or so. I don't think it's really been looked after, so not sure whether it's meant to look this gangley. The round sections look pretty healthy though.

I'm a complete novice with cacti but agreed to have a go at looking after it.

Thanks for any help,
Paul

frangipani · Post by **frangipani** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 3:21 pm

Unless I miss my guess, that's Optunia microdasys. It looks healthy enough, it just needs more light. I suggest putting it by a sunny window.

Just a word of warning: don't touch it if at all possible. Optunias leave horrid little spines in your skin if you touch them. Handle the plant with newspaper or tongs.

martenfisher · Post by **martenfisher** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 3:40 pm

microdasys yes.Needs more light.

paulkyu · Post by **paulkyu** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 4:05 pm

Thanks for the IDs. Yes, I've been warned about the spines. The last person gave it to me as it kept attacking her when she opened the window.

SkyClan Cat · Post by **SkyClan Cat** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 4:13 pm

The long, thin growth is a result of lack of light; it is stretching toward the light. These actually seem to do that pretty easily. Round pads are the normal growth for this kind of plant.