Cactus 'Road Kill'

Botanical: Consolea rubescens

Common: Road Kill Cactus, Devil's Tongue Cactus, Blushing Prickly Pear, Pink-stemmed Prickly Pear

• Light: Bright Direct
• Ideal Temperature: 60-85°F
• Humidity: Low
• Water: Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering
• Fertilize: Every 6-8 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength
• Preferred Soil: Cacti and Succulent Potting Mix

• This species is well adapted to the arid and semi-arid conditions of its native region, where it can withstand periods of drought and intense sunlight.

• Member of the Cactaceae family, also commonly known as the Cactus family, which is a large family of flowering plants that includes over 1,860 species.
• Consolea rubescens is native to various Caribbean islands, including Puerto Rico, Hispaniola (shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti), and possibly other nearby islands. It typically grows in dry coastal areas and rocky habitats, often in limestone or sandy soils.

• Despite its spiny appearance, Consolea rubescens produces edible fruits known as prickly pears. These fruits are oval-shaped and vary in color from yellow to orange to red, depending on ripeness.
• Prickly pears, including Consolea rubescens, have cultural significance in Caribbean and Latin American cuisine and folklore. They are used in traditional dishes, drinks, and medicinal remedies.