ID please: possible Opuntia and Espostoa

[ccallas]

I'd very much appreciate help in verifying these identifications. Some plants were donated to our garden club and I try to get a good ID as we sell donated plants to support the club. The person who gave them to us couldn't remember the names.

I looked at various websites, including cactiguide.com, sunvalleynursery.com, worldofsucculents.com and found these possible identifications:

C1 (3 pictures): Opuntia monacantha variagata (Joseph's Coat)
It's about 18-24 inches high.
I found several different variations of the name.

C2: Espostoa lanata (Peruvian Old Man Cactus)
It's about 12 inches high and 4 inches in diameter.

Thanks very much for your help!
Cathrin

[mikethecactusguy]

You are correct on both.
No spines on the Espostoa lanata .
Mike M

[phil_SK]

For Espostoa identifications I assume all plants encountered are lanata or melanostele and that when the fluff is tightly wrapped (especially no loose hairs at the apex) as in your plant then it's melanostele.

[greenknight]

Opuntia monacantha f. monstruosa variegata is the full name of the first one, if you're really persnickety.

They root very easily - should any segments get knocked off (I've done plant sales, this often happens), stick them in a pot and they'll grow.

[ccallas]

Thanks so much for the information! Much appreciated.
I'm just starting to appreciate cacti and succulents. This website and forum seem like a great place to expand my knowledge.