Prickly pears are opuntia fruits that contain many healthy substances. Good care is important for these to grow on the cactus ears. The cut occupies a special position here, because the growth of these ornamental plants suffers from the wrong measures.
The cactus ears can be cut for propagation
This is how the prickly pear grows
Most prickly pear cactus commercially available as ornamental plants belong to the species Opuntia ficus-indica. This develops regular branches, which are also called ears because of their shape. They are thickened shoots in which the plant stores water. They have numerous fine spines and may appear obovate, broad, or oblong. In Central America and Mexico, people eat young shoots as a vegetable known as nopales or nopalitos. The plant sections are harvested, peeled and processed.
Are cuts necessary?
These cacti do not require a topiary, because the regular removal of shoots would cause the opuntia to lose its bizarre shape. Since the flowers sprout on the annual parts of the plant, pruning measures would further limit the willingness to bloom. If your prickly pear shows diseases or deficiency symptoms in the form of discoloration, cut off the affected parts of the plant with a sharp knife.
multiply
If a cactus ear breaks off, you have ideal material for propagation by cuttings. You can also use clean scissors to cut off a few sprouts from strong and well-established specimens and pull them up. With the right care, rooting works without any problems.
How to proceed:
- Allow the interface to dry for about 14 days
- halve specimens that are too large
- Press the part plants with the cut surface into the cactus soil
- stabilize with sticks
tips
Wear sturdy gloves when caring for the plant, because the fine bristles are anchored in the skin with barbs and are therefore difficult to remove. Some hot wax on the spot will help pull out the spikes with tweezers.
maintenance
Water the substrate with small amounts of water to stimulate root formation. Waterlogging should not occur, as this creates the risk of mold. After two to three months, you can see if the plant has grown by gently pulling on the plant. If it is firmly established, it has developed roots.
planting
Opuntias grow in warm and dry areas. They tolerate heat and long periods of drought. Not every species survives the sub-zero temperatures of the Central European winter. Hardy varieties are allowed to migrate into the garden, where they stay all year round. Even if they appear dried up and lifeless during the winter months, they will grow with renewed vigor in the coming spring. It is important that you fill the bed with fine gravel. This substrate ensures dry conditions and improves water drainage.
watering and fertilizing
During spring, opuntias require regular but careful watering. In summer, occasional watering is sufficient as soon as the root ball has dried. At the beginning of the growth period, the cacti are grateful for fertilization.