Opuntia is not a special plant but a genus that includes around 190 different species. The opuntias belong to the cactus family. They bear fine or strong spines and edible fruits.
How to care for an Opuntia cactus?
For successful Opuntia care, these cactus plants require dry, loose soil, little irrigation water without lime, sparing fertilization in summer, cool overwintering and can be propagated by seeds or segments. Edible fruits are an added bonus.
Planting opuntias
Opuntias need a relatively large amount of space because, depending on the species, they can grow up to six meters high. The soil should be dry, loose and rather lean. Plant your Opuntia in cactus soil or a mixture of soil, sand and peat or coconut fiber.
Water and fertilize opuntias correctly
Opuntias do not tolerate hard water. Therefore, it is best to water these plants with rainwater. However, stale or filtered or naturally soft tap water is also suitable. The amount depends heavily on the weather.
Water only once a month in humid weather and up to twice a week in dry and hot weather. From May to September, occasionally add a little liquid or cactus fertilizer to the irrigation water. It's better to keep the quantity too small than too lush, opuntias are very frugal.
Propagate opuntias
If you would like to own a lot of opuntias, then it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Propagation is possible both by sowing and with cuttings. Prune your Opuntia that has become too large, then grow new plants from the cut segments.
Opuntias in winter
In the short term, the opuntias can even tolerate frost. In the long term, however, temperatures during winter dormancy should be between 0 °C and 6 °C, as permanent frost weakens the plant. Ventilate regularly to prevent diseases and pest infestation. Only water your opuntias drop by drop if the substrate dries out. Slowly acclimate the plants to rising temperatures in spring.
The most important things in brief:
- easy to care for and frugal
- water little, if the drought persists a little more
- fertilize sparingly, only in summer
- Fruits are edible
- no regular trimming required
- Propagation by seeds or cut segments
- overwinter coolly
Tip
Opuntias are very decorative cactus plants with edible fruits that are even said to have medicinal effects. They only need water and fertilizer in small quantities.
