The opuntias are quite easy to care for and can also be propagated relatively easily. You can get the seeds you need for sowing from specialist retailers or online. But you can also use the seeds of your own plants, as long as they bear fruit.
How can opuntias be propagated?
Opuntias can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be scattered onto moist growing substrate and covered thinly with soil, while cuttings should be cut off from fleshy leaves and placed in growing soil. Germination takes 2 to 6 weeks.
How should I sow opuntia?
If you want to grow opuntias from seeds, then it's worth it, especially if you want to have several young plants. You can get the seeds (€4.00 on Amazon) from your own plants. To do this, let one or more prickly pears ripen well. Then carefully remove the pulp and seeds from the fruit. It's easy to do with a spoon.
Clean the seeds thoroughly with water and possibly a dishwashing brush so that no pulp remains. Then place the seeds on moist cactus or growing soil and press them lightly. To ensure a good growing climate and consistent humidity, place a transparent plastic bag over the pot or pull a film over it. The germination time is around two to six weeks.
Can I grow opuntias from cuttings?
Opuntias can also be easily grown from cuttings. Use particularly fleshy leaves, which you carefully cut off and then halve. Allow the interface to dry a little before placing the leaf in potting soil. Make sure that it is not too deep in the ground, otherwise there is a risk of rot or mold. About two centimeters or a finger's width is a good measurement.
If necessary, stabilize your cutting with a few toothpicks or wooden kebab skewers so that it cannot tip over. Place your new cactus in a bright and warm place to develop strong roots. Under no circumstances should it be colder than 20 °C there.
Propagation tips for opuntias:
- Seeds available in specialist stores or online
- Be sure to clean seeds from your own plants thoroughly - risk of mold!
- Sprinkle seeds onto moist growing substrate
- only cover thinly with soil
- keep well moist
- Germination temperature: approx. 23 °C
- Germination time: 2 to 6 weeks
Tip
Seeds from your own Opuntia must be cleaned thoroughly, otherwise there is a risk of mold. However, the cultivation of cuttings shows good success quite quickly.
