Opuntia is a large genus of cacti distributed throughout the Americas. The species are best known as Prickly Pears. These cacti are known for their spines: many have large, rounded spines, while others have tiny hairlike barbs that detach upon contact with the plant.
These cacti are prized for their edibility, as they grow fruit commonly eaten in Mexico and the American Southwest. However, be sure that any fruit has been carefully cleaned if you plan on eating it, as the tiny glochids on the fruit can lodge in the skin and are very painful to remove. The distinctive red-purple juice of the Opuntia fruit can also be used in drinks, candy, and jellies.
Growing Conditions
Light: As desert cacti, Opuntias require maximum sunlight to thrive and should be kept in direct sunlight whenever possible.
Water: Very little water is required. These drought-resistant plants grow best in hot, dry areas, and excessive water could cause them to rot.
Temperature: Hot temperatures are best, but these cacti will tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
Soil: The most important soil requirement for Opuntias is that it drains well. Other than that, basic potting soil is fine. These cacti will grow in rock gardens, as well.
Propagation
Opuntias can be propagated either by cuttings or by seed. To propagate by cuttings, sever pads from a plant and let them dry so the wounds heal. Place the plants in dry soil, and refrain from watering until they begin to grow to avoid rotting.
Rinse the pulp from the seeds to propagate by seed, ensure they are thoroughly dry, and plant, ideally, in the spring. But, again, the crucial factor in keeping the seeds alive and growing is keeping their soil well-drained and dry.
Repotting
Opuntias will grow just fine in a garden but can also be grown in pots. To repot, ensure the soil is dry, remove the pot, and knock away the old soil. After treating any cuts with fungicide, place the Opuntia in a new pot and backfill it with potting soil. As with a new cutting, do not water a newly repotting cactus for a brief period to avoid rotting its roots.
Grower's Tips
All Opuntias are desert cacti and need lots of sun, lots of light, and very little water. If you live in a hot, arid area, these plants can generally be planted outside, left alone, and enjoyed.
Source: about.com
Links
- Back to genus Opuntia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus