Opuntia - Prickly Pear.
Cacti are one of the most diverse families of plants, from tiny, intricate types to stunning architectural specimens. There is a cacti for everyone. All cacti are succulents, but are defined by the presence of spines.
Prickly Pears are prized for their edible fruits, which are commonly eaten in Mexico and the American Southwest.
Keep your cacti happy by trying to recreate their natural habitat.
Follow these tips for success:
Secrets of success:
Opuntia are desert cacti so thrive in full sun.
Even though cacti are defined as needing little water, as they store it in their leaves and stems, they will not thrive with too little. In the growing season, Spring and Summer, water thoroughly, then allow the top half of the compost to dry before watering again. If possible use rain water.
Average to high temperatures, 20c upwards is ideal.
While growing feed your cacti once a month using a specific cacti fertiliser. This helps to produce healthy growth and better flowering.
Aftercare:
During the Winter your cacti will enter a rest period. Most can be left with little or no water, just a drop about once a month should be enough.
If your cacti becomes extremely pot bound then re-pot in Spring, ready for the growing season. Firstly water the plant and allow to drain. Carefully remove the plant, taking care to protect your hands, and place in a slightly larger pot, using only free draining cacti and succulent compost.
Can be kept in the garden once the threat of frost has passed, then remember to bring back in to a frost free position over Winter.
Warnings: Just beware of the spines.
