Scientific Name
Maihueniopsis darwinii (Hensl.) F.Ritter
Common Name(s)
Darwin's Cactus
Synonym(s)
Maihueniopsis darwinii var. darwinii, Opuntia darwinii, Tephrocactus darwinii
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Opuntioideae
Tribe: Tephrocacteae
Genus: Maihueniopsis
Description
Maihueniopsis darwinii is a mat-forming cactus with stems consisting of joined olive-green segments. It can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall. The stem segments are egg-shaped and can reach up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter. Each areole bears 4 to 6 needle-like spines measuring up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long.
The flowers are solitary, dirty yellow-orange, and appear from late spring to early summer. They can reach up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Though the large variety of species within the Opuntia genus means different, Prickly Pears may need slightly different care. Desert cacti require lots of sun, light, and very little water. So, if you live in a hot, arid area, these plants can generally be planted outside, left alone, and enjoyed.
These cacti 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 remove the old soil. After treating any cuts with fungicide, place the cactus in a new pot and backfill it with potting soil. As with a new cutting, do not water a newly repotted Prickly Pear briefly to avoid rotting its roots.
Opuntia can propagate either by cuttings or by seed. To propagate by cuttings, sever pads from a plant and let them dry to heal the wounds. Then, place the plants in dry soil and refrain from watering them until they begin to grow to avoid rotting them.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Opuntia.
Origin
Maihueniopsis darwinii is native to Argentina and Chile.
Links
- Back to genus Maihueniopsis
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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