Eastern Prickly Pear

Eastern Prickly Pear Care

Opuntia Humifusa

Other names: The Devil's-tongue, Indian Fig

What is the plant

Opuntia humifusa is endemic to Northeastern USA and over the border into Ontario, Canada. It grows on sandy soils, rocky outcrops or on cliffs and bluffs, tolerating extensive winter wet, long periods of sub-zero temperatures, heavy frost and deep snowfall. Of all the many Opuntia species that are fully hardy in the UK, Opuntia humifusa is probaby the most suitable for British conditions, tolerating wetter conditions than most Opuntias. Typically in a cold winter, it shrivels somewhat, its skin crinkling and turning purple but when the warm weather of Spring rolls around again, it regains condition and growth is rapid, sprouting many new cladodes.

It's invasive in Ontario and can be invasive in Indiana.

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Lighting

Full Sun

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Young prickly-pear cacti need to be watered only once every two to three weeks during the hot and dry summer months. once they are established, the cacti can usually survive off of rainwater.
Pruning
Make judicious cuts to encourage new growth. Cut just before a leaf node. Or when cutting back larger stems, cut as close to the main stem as possible.
Fertilizer
Mix the recommended amount of liquid fertilizer and water in a watering can. Then simply pour the mix into the soil as if you're watering the plant.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Light is an essential factor in maintaining plants. The rate of growth and length of time a plant remains active is dependent on the amount of light it receives. Light energy is used in photosynthesis, the plant's most basic metabolic process.
Soil
Loamy soil, a relatively even mix of sand, silt and clay, feels fine-textured and slightly damp. It has ideal characteristics for gardening, lawns and shrubs. Loamy soil has great structure, adequate drainage, is moisture retaining, full of nutrients, easily cultivated and it warms up quickly in spring, but doesn't dry out quickly in summer.
Temperature
Prickly pear cactus thrives in hot, dry desert summers. But many of its species have good cold tolerance. (Remember, desert nights can be cool.) It generally does well in regions that have mild winters and hot summers with low humidity. Prickly pear can struggle in areas that have very high humidity, even if the temperature is to the plant's liking. Typical indoor temperatures and humidity levels are usually fine for prickly pear. However, keep the plant away from heat and air-conditioning sources, as they can cause extreme temperature fluctuations.

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Container
Whether it be plastic or clay, make sure the pot you select has drainage holes in the bottom to prevent over-watering.
Popularity
1,433 people already have this plant 268 people have added this plant to their wishlists