The very easy-care opuntias can also be multiplied relatively easily. You can get the seeds you need for sowing in specialist shops or on the Internet. But you can also use the seeds of your own plants, as long as they bear fruit.
Opuntias can be propagated by cuttings or seeds
How should I sow opuntias?
If you would like to grow opuntias from seeds, it is particularly worthwhile if you want to have several young plants. You can get the seeds 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.
Thoroughly clean the seeds with water and possibly a dish brush so that no pulp remains. Then place the seeds on moist cactus or potting soil and press them down lightly. To ensure a good growing climate and constant moisture, put a transparent plastic bag over the pot or pull a film over it. The germination time is about two to six weeks.
Can I grow opuntias from cuttings?
Opuntias can also be easily grown from cuttings. Use particularly fleshy leaves for this, which you carefully cut off and then cut in half. Let the interface dry a bit before sticking the leaf in potting soil. Be careful not to plant it too deep in the ground, otherwise there is a risk of rot or mold. About an inch or a finger wide is a good measure.
If necessary, stabilize your cutting with a few toothpicks or wooden skewers so that it cannot tip over. Put your new cactus in a light and warm place so that it forms strong roots. It should never be colder than 20 °C there.
Propagation tips for opuntias:
- Seeds available in specialist shops or online
- Thoroughly clean the seeds of your own plants - risk of mold!
- Scatter seeds on moist growing substrate
- only cover lightly with soil
- keep well moist
- Germination temperature: approx. 23 °C
- Germination time: 2 to 6 weeks
tips
Seeds of your own Opuntia must be cleaned well, otherwise there is a risk of mold. The cultivation of cuttings, on the other hand, shows good results very quickly.