The beautiful variegation makes this cactus unique in its genus. N. intermedia f. variegated is usually solitary, but can also tuft. Its stem has a purplish color, thanks to the exposure to the sun, which creates a perfect contrast with the variegation, and gives this cactus a truly captivating look. The areoles are woolly of white colour and from which come out central and radial thorns: the central ones are brownish and robust, the radial ones are less robust and with yellowish hues. Its wonderful cream or pink flowers are bell shaped and we can admire them from the beginning of Summer to Autumn.