Opuntia decumbens was first described by Joseph de Salm-Reifferscheidt-Dyck and published in his Hortus Dyckensis ou Catalog des Plantes in 1834.
Scientific Name
Opuntia decumbens Salm-Dyck
Common Name(s)
Decumbens Cactus
Synonym(s)
Opuntia irrorata, Opuntia repens
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Opuntioideae
Tribe: Opuntieae
Genus: Opuntia
Etymology
The specific epithet "decumbens (de-KUM-benz)" means "lying down; prostrate" and refers to the growth habit of the species.
Origin
Opuntia decumbens is native to Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. It occurs in tropical dry forests.
Description
Opuntia decumbens is a shrubby cactus with decumbent branches divided into flattened segments (pads) with purple or reddish pigmentation around the areoles. It can grow up to 20 inches (0.5 m) tall and often forms large colonies in its native habitat. The pads are obovate, elliptical, or broadly ovate, reaching up to 8 inches (20 cm) in length and 4 inches (10 cm) in width. Each areole bears a tuft of yellowish-brown glochids and 1 to 3, sometimes absent, whitish or yellowish to gray spines measuring up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) long.
In the spring, Opuntia decumbens produces showy yellow (sometimes reddish) flowers on the upper pads. The flowers are up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long and 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) in diameter. The fruits, which are reddish-purple and spherical to pear-shaped, are edible and measure up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long.
How to Grow and Care for Opuntia decumbens
Light: Opuntia decumbens thrives in full sun, but some shade during midday and afternoon can prevent sunburn in hot climates. A window that receives sunlight 6 hours a day works best when grown indoors.
Soil: This cactus requires a soil mix that drains well. So, use a commercial cactus potting mix or create your own.
Temperature: Extremely tolerant of high temperatures, Opuntia decumbens prefers cooler temperatures in winter. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8a to 10b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 10 to 40 °F (-12.2 to 4.4 °C).
Watering: From spring to fall, water moderately and let the soil dry out completely before watering again. In most areas, rainfall will be enough for established plants. If potted, never let the container sit in water. During the winter, suspend the watering.
Fertilizing: Opuntia decumbens does not need fertilizer when planted in the ground. However, in a container, the plant will benefit from fertilization during the growing season. Apply a water-soluble fertilizer. Suspend feeding during the winter when the plant goes dormant.
Repotting: Repot only when the cactus becomes potbound or is too large and unstable in its container. Choose a slightly larger container with drainage holes at the bottom. The best time for repotting is late winter or early spring.
Propagation: You can propagate Opuntia decumbens by stem segments or seeds. Using stem segments is the easiest method and yields faster results. For best results, take stem segments in early summer. Sow the seeds in late spring.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Opuntia.
Toxicity of Opuntia decumbens
Opuntia decumbens is not toxic to humans or pets. However, keep the plant away from pets and children as it has harmful spines and glochids that may cause skin irritation.
Links
- Back to genus Opuntia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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