The plant first became famous for its unique design and is one of the most popular houseplants in the UK. The prickly pear species is mainly popular for its unique look, with flat, segmented stems on either side of the plant. It also has dotted spines on either side, making it one of the unique cactus species in the wild. The variegated cultivar, one of over 200 subspecies, is characterized by light green marbling that runs the length of the leaves.
