Opuntia coloradensis

A recently recognised prickly pear from the Grand Valley and Gunnison River area of western Colorado, around 1,500 to 1,700 m. It is a cold-hardy desert plant that wants full sun, hot dry summers and a cold, dry winter. It can be grown outdoors in a well-drained rock garden in cold climates.

At home, aim for

Day Cool-growingTargets in Plantistry

Night Close to the dayTargets in Plantistry

Humidity Dry airBand in Plantistry

Light Full sunDLI and PPFD in Plantistry

Expects a seasonal restGrows in the ground

Where it grows wild

Grows in high desert shrubland on sandy and rocky soils, mesas and canyon benches, among saltbush and juniper.

Few records carry elevations; the climate sites are at about 1,585 to 1,615 m.

United States (Colorado)

🔒 Growing it like that

The wild conditions above, turned into targets for a shelf, a tent or a greenhouse. The full profile has:

✓ Day and night temperature targets, and the limits it tolerates

✓ Humidity band, and how to hold it

✓ Light as DLI and PPFD for a grow light

✓ Wet and dry seasons, and whether to rest it

✓ Substrate and airflow

✓ A step-by-step setup to grow it like the wild

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Profiles are drafts built from measured range and climate and from published sources; each section carries its own confidence in the app.