Cactus e Dintorni

Habitat: the genus is widespread across America, from sea level to 3000 metres (9800 ft).
Description: these plants are variable in size and develop braches with flat, cylindrical or globular ribless articles (pads) covered with spines of varying length that arise from the areoles. The hybrid species often flower more profusely but are incapable of setting seed. The flowers are large, yellow or red-coloured with neither tube nor stalk (sessile). Some species have synonyms in the following genera: Puna, Austrocylindropuntia, Consolea, Corynopuntia, Nopalea, Marenopuntia.
Soil: loose garden soil that may be improved by adding some peat and mature manure.
Location: adult specimens are best grown in strong direct sunlight.
Temperature: they should be overwintered at a minimum of about 4°C (39°F) although some can withstand occasional light frosts (O. phaecantha, O. compressa). The species O. brasiliensis, acanthocarpa, bahiensis, verschaffeltii, gosseliniana, pachypus, prefer a minimum of 8°C (46°F).
Water: average; they resent high humidity levels.
Cultivation tips: many of them can be grown outdoors since they can tolerate low temperatures in dry conditions, just like Tephrocactus. Apply fertilizer once a year. Propagate from seed or cutting. Large species are fast-growing.
Main species of Opuntia: Opuntia bigelowi; Opuntia  bulbispina, minimum temperature of 3°C (37°F); Opuntia cacanapa; Opuntia elatior, from Venezuela and Colombia, naturalized in Australia; Opuntia chlorotica; Opuntia cymochila; Opuntia ficus-indica; O. sanguinicola; Opuntia articulata, mineral soil with some organic matter; Opuntia erinacea; Opuntia brasiliensis;
Opuntia imbricata; Opuntia pottsii; Opuntia robusta ; Opuntia microdasys v.rufida, needs some humus in the soil; Opuntia leptocaulis; Opuntia marenae; O. nova; Opuntia phaecantha; Opuntia polyacantha; Opuntia sulphurea; 
Opuntia tortispina; Opuntia trichophora; Opuntia whipplei; Opuntia macrodisca; Opuntia tomentosa; Opuntia tunicata.