{"product_id":"opuntia-baby-rita-prickly-pear-cactus","title":"Opuntia 'Baby Rita' (Prickly Pear Cactus)","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"297\" data-end=\"658\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"297\" data-end=\"306\"\u003eOpuntia\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Baby Rita’ is a dwarf prickly pear cultivar known for its small, paddle-shaped pads and striking purple-to-blue-green coloration, which deepens under strong light and cool temperatures. Compared to larger \u003cem data-start=\"513\" data-end=\"522\"\u003eOpuntia\u003c\/em\u003e species, it stays relatively compact and container-friendly, making it a great choice for windowsills, sunny patios, and small gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"660\" data-end=\"792\"\u003eLike all prickly pears, it has glochids (tiny hair-like spines that can be irritating) so this is a “look, don’t touch” kind of plant.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"799\" data-end=\"825\"\u003eHow to Grow \u003cstrong data-start=\"814\" data-end=\"825\"\u003eIndoors\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"849\" data-end=\"1027\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"849\" data-end=\"858\"\u003eLight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"858\" data-end=\"861\"\u003eBright light with as much direct sun as you can give it. A south- or west-facing window is ideal. Strong light encourages compact growth and rich purple tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1029\" data-end=\"1211\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1029\" data-end=\"1038\"\u003eWater\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1038\" data-end=\"1041\"\u003eWater thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out completely. During winter or low-light periods, water very sparingly. Overwatering is the fastest way to lose this plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1213\" data-end=\"1325\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1213\" data-end=\"1221\"\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1221\" data-end=\"1224\"\u003eFast-draining cactus soil is essential. Adding extra pumice or coarse sand improves drainage further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1327\" data-end=\"1428\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1327\" data-end=\"1342\"\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1342\" data-end=\"1345\"\u003ePrefers warm conditions but tolerates cool nights well. Protect from frost indoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1430\" data-end=\"1505\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1430\" data-end=\"1442\"\u003eHumidity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1442\" data-end=\"1445\"\u003eNo special requirements. Average indoor humidity is perfect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1507\" data-end=\"1631\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1507\" data-end=\"1521\"\u003eFertilizer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1521\" data-end=\"1524\"\u003eOptional. If desired, feed lightly with a diluted cactus fertilizer once or twice during spring and summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1633\" data-end=\"1734\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1633\" data-end=\"1649\"\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1649\" data-end=\"1652\"\u003eSlow to moderate. Pads stack gradually, forming a low, sculptural clump over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1736\" data-end=\"1739\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1741\" data-end=\"1768\"\u003eHow to Grow \u003cstrong data-start=\"1756\" data-end=\"1768\"\u003eOutdoors\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1769\" data-end=\"1795\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"1769\" data-end=\"1795\"\u003e(San Francisco–specific)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1797\" data-end=\"1860\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"1797\" data-end=\"1806\"\u003eOpuntia\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Baby Rita’ does very well outdoors in San Francisco.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1862\" data-end=\"2062\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1862\" data-end=\"1909\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1864\" data-end=\"1909\"\u003eThrives in full sun to very bright exposure\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1910\" data-end=\"1972\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"1972\"\u003eExcellent in containers or raised beds with sharp drainage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1973\" data-end=\"2062\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1975\" data-end=\"2062\"\u003eTolerates cool coastal temperatures and occasional winter rain if soil drains quickly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2064\" data-end=\"2158\"\u003eThis is a great low-maintenance cactus for sunny decks, patios, and xeriscape-style plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2160\" data-end=\"2163\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2165\" data-end=\"2182\"\u003e🌸 Blooming\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2183\" data-end=\"2343\"\u003eUnder strong light and outdoor conditions, mature plants may produce bright pink-magenta flowers in spring or early summer, followed by small ornamental fruits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2345\" data-end=\"2348\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2350\" data-end=\"2369\"\u003e🐾 Pet Safety\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2370\" data-end=\"2549\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2370\" data-end=\"2387\"\u003eNot pet safe.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2387\" data-end=\"2390\"\u003eAccording to ASPCA guidance for \u003cem data-start=\"2422\" data-end=\"2431\"\u003eOpuntia\u003c\/em\u003e species, ingestion may cause irritation, and glochids pose a physical hazard. Keep out of reach of pets and children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2551\" data-end=\"2554\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2556\" data-end=\"2577\"\u003e⚠️ Notes \u0026amp; Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2578\" data-end=\"2784\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2578\" data-end=\"2642\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2580\" data-end=\"2642\"\u003eAlways handle with tongs or thick gloves—glochids are sneaky\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2643\" data-end=\"2702\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2645\" data-end=\"2702\"\u003ePurple coloration is a sign of strong light, not stress\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2703\" data-end=\"2784\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2705\" data-end=\"2784\"\u003ePerfect for collectors who want a colorful cactus without a massive footprint\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"The Plant Lady SF","offers":[{"title":"4\"","offer_id":43345255334094,"sku":null,"price":16.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0574\/2280\/7246\/files\/opuntia-baby-rita-prickly-pear-cactus-7063318.jpg?v=1769096646","url":"https:\/\/theplantladysf.com\/products\/opuntia-baby-rita-prickly-pear-cactus","provider":"The Plant Lady SF","version":"1.0","type":"link"}