Opuntia dejecta is commonly cultivated in tropical America. Its fruits are eaten, and sliced stem segments are used as green vegetables.
Scientific Name
Opuntia dejecta Salm-Dyck
Common Names(s)
Panama Nopal, Spiny Nopal
Synonym(s)
Nopalea dejecta, Opuntia diffusa, Opuntia horizontalis
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Opuntioideae
Tribe: Opuntieae
Genus: Opuntia
Etymology
The specific epithet "dejecta (dee-JEK-tuh)" means "drooping, hanging" and refers to the drooping upper stem segments of this species.
Origin
Opuntia dejecta is native to Panama, according to Britton and Rose.
Description
Opuntia dejecta, formerly known as Nopalea dejecta, is a shrubby or tree-like cactus with a trunk and segmented, spreading to hanging branches. It can grow up to 6.6 feet (2 m) tall. The stem segments are bright green, thick and narrow, more or less lance-shaped, often dropping, and measuring up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and 3.2 inches (8 cm) wide. They usually bear two somewhat spreading spines per areole. The spines are pale yellow or pinkish at first, becoming gray with age, and can reach up to 1.6 inches (6 cm) in length.
During the summer, Opuntia dejecta produces dark red flowers on the upper stem segments. The dark red, barrel-shaped fruits contain numerous tiny black seeds.
How to Grow and Care for Opuntia dejecta
Light: Opuntia dejecta thrives in full sun, but some shade during midday and afternoon can prevent sunburn in hot climates. When grown indoors, a window that receives sunlight for 6 hours a day works best.
Soil: This cactus requires a well-draining soil mix. You can use a commercial cactus potting mix or create your own.
Temperature: Opuntia dejecta is highly tolerant of high temperatures and prefers cooler temperatures in winter. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 20 to 50 °F (-6.7 to 10 °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 dejecta does not need fertilizer when planted in the ground. However, if grown in a container, it 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 dejecta by stem segments or seeds. The easiest method is using stem segments, which yields faster results. For best results, take stem segments in early summer and sow the seeds in late spring.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Opuntia.
Toxicity of Opuntia dejecta
Opuntia dejecta 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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