Blooming Cactus Collection (Opuntia & Echinopsis in Flower)

_{Colorful cactus blossoms from my small collection.}

Hello Steemians,

Today I want to share something close to my heart: the beauty of cactus flowers from my personal collection.
Cacti are often seen as spiny, tough survivors, but when they bloom, they reveal an unexpected elegance. Their flowers appear suddenly, stay only for a short time, and then disappear, leaving behind the memory of a delicate spectacle.

I purchased these plants at the Central Market of Tunis, where you can always find small treasures among the flower and plant sellers.
Here are three of my favorites that I’ve nurtured and seen bloom beautifully.

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Opuntia ficus-indica

Known locally as the prickly pear cactus, this one is iconic across Tunisia. Its pads are strong, resilient, and armed with spines, but when the flower opens, it’s a vibrant yellow burst of life.

_{The flower of Opuntia ficus-indica bright.}

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Echinopsis

Echinopsis are among the most beloved cacti because of their spectacular flowers. Large, elegant, and delicate, their blossoms seem almost too perfect to belong to such a rugged plant. The only challenge is that they bloom briefly, sometimes just for a single day.

_{An Echinopsis bloom, short lived but unforgettable.}

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Echinopsis chamaecereus (Peanut cactus)

Smaller in size but bursting with charm, the Echinopsis chamaecereus is also called the “peanut cactus” because of its clustering stems. Its flowers are a fiery orange red, standing out against the green body. Despite its modest size, it adds warmth and life to the collection.

_{The tiny but vibrant Echinopsis chamaecereus in bloom.}

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Prices

Cactus	Price (TND)	Equivalent in STEEM (1 TND = 2.77 STEEM)
Opuntia ficus-indica	7 TND	19.4 STEEM
Echinopsis	9 TND	24.9 STEEM
Echinopsis chamaecereus	9 TND	24.9 STEEM

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Location

The cacti were purchased at the Central Market of Tunis, one of the city’s most vibrant spots where plants, flowers, and daily goods are sold.

• Getting there:

Location	Central Market of Tunis
Plus Code (Google)	Q5WG+WX Tunis, Tunisia
Google Maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/a4yCcmqGbUKZKT4T8
Atlas Pin Code	[//]:# (!steematlas 36.79751861 lat 10.17749723 long Central Market of Tunis d3scr)
By Car	Located in downtown Tunis, near Avenue de France. Public parking available nearby.
By Public Transport	Easily accessible by TGM train (Tunis Marine stop) or city bus to downtown.

• Hours & Price:

  • Open daily from morning until late afternoon. Plant prices vary between 7–10 TND (19–28 STEEM).

• Best time to visit:

  • Morning is the best fresh plants arrive and the market is lively.

• Safety & Etiquette:

  • The market can be crowded; keep an eye on your belongings.
  • Handle plants carefully ask sellers before touching.

• Contacts:

  • No official contact point, speak directly with plant and flower vendors inside the market.

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Final Thoughts

Each cactus flower is a story of patience and reward. From the strength of the Opuntia to the elegance of Echinopsis and the lively spirit of chamaecereus, they all remind me that beauty often hides in unexpected places, and blooms only for those who wait.

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Best Regards,
@marwene

_{Photo Credits: All photos in this post were taken by me, @marwene, using an iPhone 13 Pro Max.}