Opuntia

Opuntia, commonly known as prickly pear cactus, is a diverse and fascinating genus of plants belonging to the Cactaceae family. This unique group of plants is native to arid and semi-arid regions of the Americas, from the southwestern United States to Mexico, Central, and South America. They are well-adapted to survive in harsh desert environments, boasting a range of features that enable them to thrive in conditions where other plants may struggle. Growth Habit: The growth habit of Opuntia species varies but typically involves flat, fleshy pads called cladodes or nopales. These pads are modified stems that store water and perform photosynthesis. The pads range in size, shape, and color, depending on the species, and can be oval, round, or elongated. Some Opuntia species grow low and sprawling, while others form large, tree-like structures reaching heights of up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) or more. Flowers: Opuntia plants produce beautiful, cup-shaped flowers that bloom in spring and summer, depending on the species. The flowers come in various colors, including yellow, orange, red, and pink, and often have a satin-like sheen. Edible Fruits: Following the flowering period, Opuntia produces edible, fleshy fruits called tunas or prickly pears, which are often consumed fresh or used in culinary applications such as jams, jellies, and beverages. Fruits are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, providing numerous health benefits. Hardiness: Hardiness varies among Opuntia species, with...

I guess we've all driven through the countryside, and seen the mounds of prickly pear cactus adorning dilapidated mobile homes, so often used in those tastefully painted tractor tires. We've seen them so much, in fact, that they have just become a part of the southeastern landscape. Occasionally, they are complimented by the typical green I always figured if this one ubiquitous cacti would grow outdoors in the south, there must be other more exotic cacti that would fare equally as well. We began to search out seed sources and plant sources, of which there are several that specialize in hardy cacti. Before long, we had created a garden that would make our southwest friends proud. Granted, there must be a little antisocial tendency in anyone who would actually grow hardy cacti, either that or an affliction for pain. Cacti are indeed a curiosity, with their enlarged leaves called pads, composed of mostly water, and an uncanny ability to thrive in the hottest, driest, and most adverse of conditions. While there are some truly spectacular cacti plants, just like orchids, the beauty is in the flowers. Yes folks, cacti actually have flowers, and not those artificial ones that the discount stores stick in the pads to sell you something with color. Opuntia cacanapa 'Ellisiana' "Yes folks, cacti actually have flowers" The reason that more folks have not tried winter hardy cacti in the southeast is our wet winters. In the southwest, they will often have no rainfall from early fall ...

Advertisements Opuntia is a large genus of cacti distributed throughout the Americas. The species are best known as Prickly Pears. They are These cacti are prized for their 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 Photo via Advertisements Propagation Opuntias can propagate 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 so...

• • Menu Toggle • Opuntia Species Ab-Ar Menu Toggle • Opuntia abjecta • Opuntia aciculata • Opuntia alta • Opuntia ammophila • Opuntia anahuacensis • Opuntia angustata • Opuntia arenaria • Opuntia arizonica • Opuntia Species At-Az Menu Toggle • Opuntia atrispina • Opuntia atrocapensis • Opuntia aurea • Opuntia austrina • Opuntia azurea • Opuntia Species B Menu Toggle • Opuntia basilaris • Opuntia bentonii • Opuntia blakeana • Opuntia Species Ca-Ch Menu Toggle • Opuntia cacanapa (incl O. ellisiana) • Opuntia caesia • Opuntia camanchica • Opuntia canada • Opuntia cespitosa • Opuntia charlestonensis • Opuntia chlorotica Menu Toggle • Opuntia chlorotica chlorotica • Opuntia chlorotica gosseliniana • Opuntia chlorotica santa-rita • Opuntia chisosensis • Opuntia Species Co-Cy Menu Toggle • Opuntia columbiana • Opuntia confusa • Opuntia covillei • Opuntia curvospina • Opuntia cymochila • Opuntia cyclodes • Menu Toggle • Opuntia Species D-F Menu Toggle • Opuntia debreczyi • Opuntia dillenii • Opuntia discata • Opuntia diploursina • Opuntia dulcis • Opuntia eburnispina • Opuntia engelmannii Menu Toggle • O. lindheimeri and O. engelmannii • Opuntia ficus-indica • Opuntia flavispina • Opuntia fragilis • Opuntia fusco-atra • Opuntia Species G-K Menu Toggle • Opuntia gilvescens • Opuntia gosseliniana • Opuntia gomei • Opuntia humifusa • Opuntia keyensis • Opuntia Species L Menu Toggle • Opuntia laevis • Opuntia lata • Opuntia leptocarpa • Opuntia lindheimeri (incl ‘linguiformis’) Menu ...

Phonetic Spelling oh-POON-tee-ah This plant has low severity poison characteristics. Description Prickly Pear is in the cacti family and contains over100 species that are native to North and South America. Theyare erect or spreading cacti, ranging from small low-growingshrubsto treelike specimens reaching 16 feet or more in height. Some are grown as houseplants. They have flat paddle-shaped stem segments called cladodes that grow one on top of the other.They allhave spinesin the areoles but some have additional large spines.The flowers are showy in yellow, pink, or orange colors. The fruits are generally fleshy, orange, and spiny but sometimes dry. The pads readily root to form new plants and in some parts of the world, they havebecome invasive.It is resistant to damage by deer and is highly salt tolerant. Generally speaking, they needwell-drained soil (preferably a cactus mix) and plenty of sunshine. In order to flower, they need high light levels and cooler winter temperatures. Use in containers, rock gardens, or coastal and desert areas. VIDEO Created by Laura Barthfor " Profile Video: See this plant in the following landscapes: Cultivars / Varieties: • 'Chocolate Princess' • O. aurea • O. macrocentra • O. phaeacantha 'Tahiti Sunrise' 'Chocolate Princess', O. aurea, O. drummondii, O. humifusa, O. macrocentra, O. macrorhiza, O. mesacantha, O. microdasys, O. phaeacantha, O. phaeacantha 'Tahiti Sunrise' Tags: Form Petr Kratochvil Flowers David Ceballos 'Pina Colada' flower...

Coryphantha scheeri, giant pincushion cactus (AZ, NM, TX) Cylindropuntia abyssi, Peach Springs canyon cholla (AZ) Echinocereus apachensis, Apache hedgehog cactus (AZ) Echinocereus pectinatus, Mexican rainbow cactus (AZ, NM, TX) Escobaria missouriensis, Missouri foxtail cactus (AZ, CO, ID, KS, MT, ND, NE, NM, OK, SD, TX, WY) Escobaria robbinsiorum, Cochise foxtail cactus (AZ) Mammillaria macdougalii, MacDougal pincushion cactus (AZ) Mammillaria mainiae, counterclockwise fishhook cactus (AZ) Mammillaria thornberi, Thornber's pincushion cactus (AZ) Mammillaria viridiflora, green flowered pincushion cactus (AZ, NM) Mammillaria wrightii, Wright's nipple cactus (AZ, NM, TX) Opuntia macrorhiza, Twist spine prickly pear (AZ, CO, ID, KS, MT, NE, NM, OK, SD, TX, UT, WY) Opuntia martiniana, seashore cactus (AZ, UT) Opuntia pinkavae, Pinkava's prickly pear (AZ, UT) Sclerocactus whipplei, Whipple's fishhook cactus (AZ, UT)

Succulents are one of the most fun and creative ways to spruce up your home and garden. They come in endless varieties, colors, shapes, and sizes. A very popular option to add to your succulent collection is the opuntia. From opuntia ficus-indica to opuntia microdasys and the varieties of opuntia cactus, there are so many to choose from. Opuntia are easy to take care of and should be added to your succulent gardens today. Lula’s Garden is here to fill you in on all things opuntia. What Is Opuntia, Anyways? If you want to own your very own opuntia, let’s start at the beginning with the basics. Get to know your plant before you make the purchase. The opuntia is a commonly-owned cactus. This cactus is most distinctly characterized by its prickly pear shapes. These prickly pears resemble actual pears or are sometimes noted as resembling rounded ears. For this reason, the opuntia is commonly referred to as the prickly pear cactus. There are many different types of opuntia cactus. The varieties to choose from allow your garden, yard, or home to have incredibly unique-looking cacti. The opuntia can be found in many different parts of the world, including: • Mexico • Africa • Southern Europe • Asia • California • Arizona • New Mexico • Montana • Florida • Massachusetts Naturally growing prickly pear cacti can be found in many places. They typically thrive in hot climates, as they are cacti. This prickly pear cactus does not need excessive watering. It has adapted itself to store u...

The bunny ear cactus ( Opuntia microdasys) is a popular Opuntia microdasys is known by several common names including bunny ear cactus, angel’s wings cactus, and polka dot cactus. But don’t be fooled by these cute nicknames, while the bunny ear cactus might look less threatening than other cacti varieties with large and intimidating spikes, this cactus is just as prickly. Each white “dot” on the surface of the bunny ear cactus is actually a glochid, which are patches of hundreds of small spines that can easily dislodge in the skin. Thus, take care when handling a bunny ear cactus, and use protective gloves if necessary. Botanical Name Opuntia microdasys Common Name Bunny ear cactus, angel's wings cactus, polka dot cactus Plant Type Cactus Mature Size 2-3 ft. tall, 4-5 ft. spread Sun Exposure Full sun Soil Type Sandy, well-draining Soil pH Acidic, neutral Bloom Time Summer Flower Color Yellow, white Hardiness Zones 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b Native Area Mexico Temperature and Humidity The bunny ear cactus requires warm, dry conditions and does not tolerate frost or excess humidity. Keep temperatures between 70 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 37 degrees Celsius) and avoid excess moisture by ensuring that the potting mix is well-draining and the potting container has drainage holes. This cactus can be grown outdoors year-round in Westend61 / Getty Images Potting and Repotting the Bunny Ear Cactus The bunny ears cactus should be repotted every two to three years. To repot thi...