Roadkill Cactus - Opuntia Consolea

Roadkill Cactus

Opuntia consolea

The Roadkill Cactus (Opuntia consolea) is one of those plants that instantly gets people talking.

With its wide, irregular pads that grow in layered strange shapes, this cactus has a wild, windswept look that feels straight out of the desert.

It’s quirky, characterful, and completely unapologetic.

Low effort. High impact. Just how we like it.

✨ Why we love it:

🌵 Flattened, sprawling pads with a unique growth habit
🌵 Bold desert vibes with serious personality
🌵 Drought tolerant and brilliantly low maintenance
🌵 A total conversation starter for sunny spaces

💡 Light: Give it as much bright light as possible. A sunny south or west facing window is ideal. The more sun it gets, the stronger and more compact it grows.

💧 Water: Water sparingly. Allow the compost to dry out fully between waterings. In winter, barely water at all. This one prefers things dry.

🌱 Soil: Needs a free draining cactus or succulent mix. Good drainage is essential to keep roots healthy.

🌡️ Temperature: Loves warmth and sunshine. Protect from frost and cold draughts.

🐾 Pet/Child Safe? Not toxic, but covered in spines and glochids. Best kept out of reach of curious hands and paws.

🌿 Top Tip: Resist the urge to over love it. Too much water is far worse than not enough. When in doubt don’t water.

Opuntia consolea is bold, unusual, and full of desert attitude.

If you love plants with personality and a bit of edge, this one belongs in your jungle. 🌵