Prickly Pear Guide: How to Grow and Care for Opuntia Cactus
The majority of variations have glochids, which are tufts of barbed bristles that can cause extremely severe allergic skin reactions.
Several varieties, including O. ellisiana, lack a spine.
The pads, flowers, and fruit of the majority of types are edible after thorough cleaning.
Despite the fact that some cold-hardy varieties, like the Eastern prickly pear, can be found in warm, dry regions like the Southwest (O. humifusa).
As the plants prepare for the winter, the pads may begin to seem shriveled and wilted, but they will quickly turn green in the spring.
What Is Basic
Zones: These range from 9 to 11, but some cultivars, including O. humifusa, can endure zone 4's cold conditions.
Height/Spread: The varieties range from low-growing 10- to 15-foot tall trees to low-growing cacti that are 6- to 12-inches tall and 18-inches broad.
Bloom Time: from June to July
Color: Prickly pear blossoms often have a yellow, red, or purple tint, though this can vary depending on the cultivar.
Different shades of red, green, and yellow-orange can be found in fruits.
Other: The thorny structure of prickly pear cactus makes them resistant to deer.
Getting Grow
Despite the fact that cuttings can be begun at any time, planting them in the spring or summer may produce the best results.
The best time to plant seeds is in the late spring.
Where to plant: Prickly pears need to be planted in a location with full sun and well-draining soil.
Plant them where they are currently growing; planting them deeper could result in their disintegration.
In addition to being for your protection, handle the pads carefully since they may top-heavy and break off.
Having an extra pair of hands can be useful because prickly pears can be heavy and difficult to lift and insert in the hole.
Care
How to cultivate and care for a prickly pear cactus, Opuntia:Light: At least six hours every day of direct sunlight, from full sun to partial shade.
Soil: A mixture of potting soil and sand, or a well-draining cactus mix.
Drought-tolerant plant, water deeply once a week in the summer; less frequently in the winter.
Warm; keep away from freezing.
Optional, monthly application of cactus fertilizer in the spring and summer.
Pruning: Remove any dead fruit, blooms, or pads.
Repotting: Use a cactus potting mix every two to three years.
Offsets or stem cuttings for propagation.
Handling: Because the spines are sharp, use gloves when handling.
Pest control: Keep an eye out for fungi, scale insects, and mealybugs.
Bright and spectacular flowers are produced during the spring to summer bloom season.
Propagation
Initial growth from seed is slow and it may take 3 to 4 years before your plant produces flowers and fruit. The seeds need shade to germinate and should be kept moist until that time.
Propagation from pads is much simpler and yields faster results. Here’s how:Pads that are at least 6 months old can be cut off by following the pruning instructions above.
Set the pads out in a dry area with light shade and allow the cut end to form a callus. This prevents the new plant from rotting at the base and can take 2 to 4 weeks in warm, dry weather, longer if it is cool or humid.
Once fully calloused over, plant pads in a mixture of half soil and half sand at a depth of 1 inch. If planted any deeper, your plant can rot.
Don’t water it for the first month, as there is enough moisture within the pad to sustain itself.
Prop it up with rocks or other means of support until roots grow over the next month or so. After a month, there should be enough roots that your plant can stand on its own, but continue the support if it’s still a little wobbly.
You can water it at this time as well and follow the watering guidelines above, making sure to let it dry out completely in between.
On new plants, flowers and fruit will usually appear by the second or third pad that grows.
Tags:
Plants