Opuntia cactus and its beneficial properties, how care and reproduction is carried out at home

The prickly pear flower belongs to the cactus family and amazes with a variety of species, which number about two hundred. The homeland of this plant is also extensive: it grows in both North and South America, and is found in the West Indies. There are especially many representatives of prickly pears in Mexico. But in Russia, many flower growers are fans of this extraordinary cactus.

Flowering prickly pear

Opuntia flowering at home How the prickly pear cactus blooms photo

During the flowering period (spring-early autumn), on the tops of the shoots, you can see single inflorescences, similar to roses. The colors are yellow, yellow-orange, red. At the end of flowering, fruits appear - a poured berry, covered with the smallest thorns.

Are prickly pear fruits edible?

The fruits are edible, have a sweetish taste, they are also called Indian fig. At first, they have a greenish tint, which changes to burgundy as they ripen. Jam, jam, marmalade, marshmallow are produced from the pulp of berries; to make alcoholic beverages or molasses, the juice is squeezed out.

Boiled unripe fruits have an apple flavor. In some species, shoots can also be used for food purposes. They are rich in starch, sugar, protein, vitamin C. They are used as fodder crops for livestock. And young shoots are boiled, fried, made from them candied fruits.

The fruits contain seeds of a light shade the size of beans.

Does prickly pear bloom at home?

When growing prickly pears indoors, it is difficult to achieve flowering, but it is possible. To do this, for the summer season, be sure to take it out into fresh air. Flower buds begin to form in November - buds may appear, but with improper care, the plant discards them. It is important to provide bright lighting, reduce watering, in no case change the location or turn the pot with the plant.

The healing properties of prickly pear

Opuntia is also known for its healing properties. Opuntia juice has antiseptic properties, promotes wound healing, normalizes blood pressure, and also helps with a hangover.

In Sicily, the fig prickly pear has the same reputation as the plantain in our latitudes, that is, it is considered an anti-inflammatory agent for all sorts of damage to the skin.

Opuntia is widely used in cosmetology: a healing oil is made from it, which is added to shampoos and creams. Opuntia extract restores the moisture balance of the skin, strengthens the walls of small vessels and has a number of other beneficial properties.

Opuntia is a plant whose fruits are widely used in food. In the same Sicily, syrups, jams, marmalade, tinctures and liqueurs are prepared from the fruits of fig prickly pear, which is specially grown on vast plantations; they also eat raw fruits.

Some nutritionists advise dried leaf extract and prickly pear fruit for weight loss. It prevents the absorption of fats from food, increases glucose tolerance, and accelerates the removal of excess fluid from the body.

The medicinal properties of this cactus make it an excellent prophylactic against obesity and the development of type II diabetes.

How to care for prickly pear at home

How to care for prickly pear Opuntia hybrid cristata 'Roller Coaster'

Lighting and air temperature

For active growth and development throughout the year, it is necessary to maintain bright lighting.

In summer, the air temperature does not matter - the prickly pear feels great at a temperature range of 25-35 ° C. In winter, coolness is required: the optimal air temperature will be 6 ° C, it is not advisable to exceed 14 ° C. At elevated air temperatures, the plant will stretch.

Watering

Excess moisture will lead to rotting of the root system. In the period April-October, water abundantly, as the earthen coma dries. In winter, watering is practically not required: at an air temperature of 6 ° C, they do not water at all, the plant may wilt, but will quickly return to shape with the resumption of watering in spring.

Drizzle with softened water, it is recommended to acidify it a little (add a few drops of lemon juice or a small amount of citric acid). When watering, it is important that the water does not fall on the stems: it is best to water through a sump.

Top dressing

Plants are fed only during the period of active growth (spring-summer). Apply complex mineral fertilizers with a low proportion of nitrogen every 2 weeks. During flowering, it is better not to add top dressing.

Conditions of detention

In order for the succulent to please the eye and develop normally at home, certain conditions of detention are observed. Although prickly pear is considered one of the most unpretentious domestic plants, it still has its own requirements. If agricultural technology is violated, the succulent loses its decorative effect, and flowering does not occur at all.

Illumination

Since the prickly pear cactus is a resident of the tropics, it will need to organize constant lighting. Only on especially hot days, when the sun's rays are very hot, light shading is organized.

Air humidity

Air humidity is not critical for the cultivation of prickly pears. She easily tolerates hot and dry indoor climate. However, during the growing season, regular watering is organized. But during the rest period, the succulent does not need such a procedure. Spraying the flowers does not produce and does not leave the plant in drafts.

Temperature

The optimal temperature conditions for prickly pear are indicators ranging from 21 to 37 degrees. However, for the dormant period, these values must be reduced to 10-18 degrees, so that the plant fully rested and actively entered the growing season in spring.

Soil and capacity

The soil for planting prickly pears is purchased in gardening stores, it has good water and air permeability, and the acidity index does not exceed 6.5. However, you can make soil for growing a succulent, if desired, at home. To do this, they take sod land, mix it with leafy humus and a significant amount of coarse river sand. Instead of the latter, perlite can also be used. It also does not hurt to add pieces of charcoal to the soil.

Top dressing

The prickly pear does not need a large amount of nutrients. For feeding, special complexes for succulents are purchased, in which there is a low nitrogen content. Fertilize the cactus once a month, and for the rest period, this procedure is stopped.

Dormant period

For the dormant period, which lasts for the prickly pear cactus in autumn and winter, the flower is transferred to a dark place with low temperatures. Stop watering and feeding.

Bloom

During the flowering period, the succulent needs special care. Such a process in prickly pears is considered a rarity at home, but nevertheless, with proper care, it is quite possible to admire the beautiful cactus flowers.If buds appear on the plant, it is worth adhering to the following recommendations of experienced gardeners:

Do not violate the rules of care that have been adhered to until this moment, watering and fertilizing are carried out according to the schedule.
In no case should you rearrange the cactus to a new place.
During this period, it is contraindicated to transplant a flower.

If you break at least one of these rules, the prickly pear will instantly shed its buds, and the owner of the cactus will never see a beautiful flowering.

After the succulent leaves the flowering period, gradually reduce the amount of moisture and fertilizer and transfer the cactus to a place where it will gain strength for the next growing season.

Seasonal care features

In each period of the year, prickly pears need special care, on which the health and full development of the cactus depends.

Spring

This is the time when the plant enters the growing season and comes out of dormancy. The prickly pear begins to be watered and fed on schedule. They transfer the flower to a lighted place and adjust the air temperature so that the indicator is at least 20 degrees.

Summer

In summer, it is enough to provide the succulent with full lighting and a temperature regime above 21 degrees. Watering and feeding the cactus is necessary according to the schedule described above.

Fall

This is the period when the plant begins to gradually prepare for the dormant period. They gradually reduce the amount of soil moisture and completely stop feeding the prickly pear.

Winter

The period when the flower does not need care at all. A cool and darkened room is all that is needed for a good rest of a cactus.

How to make prickly pear blossom: care by month

Opuntia hybrid Baby Rita photo of flowering

To see the flowering of prickly pears indoors, you need to create the most comfortable environment for this.

January-February: Use artificial lighting to compensate for the lack of natural light. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
March: shade out of direct sunlight, as the plant is weaned from active exposure to the sun. Spray with warm water from a spray bottle.
April: increase the air temperature, increase watering, start feeding.
May: A period of active growth begins. The plant will feel great even under the scorching rays of the sun. The right time for a transplant.
June-July: Expect to bloom.
August: Begin preparing for the onset of winter by ensuring that there are differences in daytime and nighttime temperatures.
September: reduce watering, stop feeding. If the cacti are outside, return them indoors.
October: Water occasionally.
November: No growth, keep cool and do not water.
December: complete rest is necessary, do not rearrange or even rotate the pot with the plant.

How prickly pear cactus reproduces

Dizigoteka: home care and main varieties

The succulent plant is propagated vegetatively, that is, using cuttings. This requires an adult prickly pear, from which a stalk is cut from a strong and healthy shoot. Then this trim is left overnight at room temperature so that it has time to dry thoroughly. During this time, a kind of film appears on the surface of the cutting.

The cutting is deepened into a dry substrate for succulents. You should not often water the ground after it has rooted, it is better to cover the container with film or glass.

Transplant of prickly pear after purchase

How to transplant prickly pear In the photo prickly pear is flat

After the purchase, the cactus is recommended to be transplanted (the exception is the winter period). Transplant using the transshipment method without disturbing the earthen lump.

To transplant, turn the plant upside down, remove the pot from the earthen clod, and transfer the cactus to a prepared pot. Do not deepen the root collar.

In the future, transplant only as needed, since the plant tolerates the procedure painfully. The most favorable time for this is spring.Transfer from dry soil to dry soil, water for the first time in a week. After transplanting, keep in a shaded place for 2-3 weeks.

The root system develops more in width - a container for prickly pears will need a low, wide, stable.

The soil should be light, loose, preferably slightly acidic. You can buy cactus substrate at the store or make your own soil mixture. Mix in equal proportions of leafy, turfy soil, clay and sand.

Transfer

You need to transplant prickly pear annually. Each transplant is carried out in a pot 1-2 cm larger than the previous oneabout. Do not take a large container at once, the plant needs a little tightness so that both the aboveground part and the root system develop evenly.

Too much space for roots will lead to their rapid development, while the crown will not grow.

As soon as the diameter of the pot will reach 15 centimeters, shorten replanting up to once every 2 years.

The transplant is carried out by the transshipment method. Do not shake off the old soil from the roots, so it will be easier for the plant to adapt and start growing.

If you notice the death of some parts of the root, you need to remove them, otherwise they will infect the healthy part.

The soil for this type of cactus should consist of sod-clayey - 2 parts, sand - 1 part.

Take sand from the sea, construction will not work. To improve the bactericidal properties and deoxidation, it is advisable to add a little woody.

Make sure that there are no remnants of old roots in the ground, it must have a fresh scent... Before transplanting, the soil is sterilized by the water bath method, dried and heated.

Growing prickly pear from seeds

Prickly pear seeds photo

How to grow prickly pear from seeds? Sowing soil: leafy soil, coarse sand, leafy soil in equal proportions. All components must be mixed and pre-calcined in the oven. Fill the pots with earth, level them.

Spread the seeds over the surface at a distance of 3-4 cm, slightly pressing into the soil, spray from a sprayer, cover with glass or film on top.
Ventilate from time to time to get rid of condensation, occasionally slightly moisten the soil by spraying.

Opuntia from seeds at home photo shoots

When shoots appear, remove the shelter.
Maintain the air temperature at 20 ° C.

Seedlings of prickly pear from seeds photo

The grown seedlings are seated in separate containers, do not watered after transplanting for 7 days, and provide light shading during the adaptation period.
In the future, 2-3 weeks after transplanting, prickly pear seedlings must be provided with bright lighting.
In order not to dive, you can immediately plant one seed at a time in the cassette cells and transfer the grown plants into larger pots as they grow.

Reproduction

Cuttings

Propagation of prickly pear by cuttings is carried out from spring to summer, photos and videos below. The stalk is separated from the mother stem by unscrewing it.

The shoots are taken from the side shoots or from the tops. Slices are treated with charcoal... After that, the segment is dried for a day.

The stalk is placed in wet sand, covered with a transparent cap.

The temperature during germination is maintained not higher than 20 degrees.

After rooting, plant in the main place.

Sowing seeds

Produced from March to May. For sowing, take a flat container with holes in the bottom. Place a layer of drainage on top of it with a layer of soil consisting of turf, sand and clay.

You also need to add charcoal for disinfection.

Compact the soil, and then add another small loose layer - you can do this with a coarse mesh sieve.

The seeds are pre-soaked for a day, treated for 10 minutes with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, and then laid out in shallow grooves on distance 1 cm from each other.

Then the grooves are lightly sprinkled with soil and moistened with a spray bottle.

The following types of cacti also propagate by seeds: Ferocactus, Rebucia, Cereus, Decembrist.

Cover the bowl with glass or plastic and place in a warm, bright place. But not in direct sunlight to avoid the greenhouse effect. The top layer must be constantly moistened with boiled water. Once a week, dip the sowing bowls in water.

For good germination, there should be a difference between daytime (25-30 degrees) and nighttime 18-19 degrees) temperatures.

When shoots appear, they begin gradually accustom to air.

Opening first for 5-10 minutes, then 20-30 minutes a day.

Two days later, the glass is removed, the seedlings are covered at night.

Seedlings shade from burns.

A pick is made when the plants put out the first thorns. They are removed from the soil with a wooden peg or fork.

The soil is not removed from the shoots, the roots are straightened so that they do not bend up. After transplanting, do not expose the plants to the sun or water them.

If mold appears, sprinkle the surface with charcoal or sprinkle with a solution of copper sulfate.

Vaccinations

Opuntia is an excellent rootstock. At the same time, it must be healthy, with a well-developed root system.

The vaccination is carried out in early summer, in the morning, on a hot, dry day. Before grafting, the stock is well watered.

Take a blade and rub it with rubbing alcohol. Cut off the top of the rootstock... Cut off the bottom part with roots from the scion.

Apply the scion to the rootstock without waiting for them to dry.

Try to match the cambial rings of both parts. If the center does not match, nothing will work.

After everything you need to fix... This is done with an elastic band, crosswise. Place a piece of cotton wool under the elastic on the stock. You can use a patch instead of a rubber band.

After vaccination the structure is covered with a glass cover and placed in a warm place. So keep for about 12 days. Grafted cacti are not watered, but moistened by immersion in liquid.

The video below tells in detail about reproduction by children:

Propagation of prickly pear by cuttings How to root prickly pear

How prickly pear reproduces Photo of rooted cuttings

If you do not know how to propagate prickly pear, master propagation by cuttings - the easiest and most common way.

Cut the cuttings from the main shoot, treat the cut with a fungicide, dry until a dense film is formed.
Root in sand or all-purpose cactus soil. Deepen by 2-3 cm.
Occasionally, after the top layer has dried, moisten the soil.
Keep the air temperature at 22 ° C.
When the cuttings are rooted (new buds appear on them), they can be transplanted into a permanent pot.

Opuntia varieties

Darwin. The height of a cactus can reach no more than 10 cm, and the size of the flowers is up to 4 cm. The cactus blooms with yellow-brown inflorescences.

"Poliakantha". Quite an interesting view with large yellow flowers.

"Theokanta". It can grow up to 20 cm in height, and bloom with flowers up to 8 cm in diameter, which have a yellow tint.

Fragilis. Miniature plant, with flowers, about 3 cm in size.

"Imbrikata". Charming purple flowers, up to 8cm in diameter. The bush can grow up to 25cm in height.

Diseases and pests of prickly pear

Opuntia is a hardy plant with good immunity. Diseases are exposed with improper care.

If the plant becomes covered with soft brown spots, stem rotting has begun, provoked by waterlogging. Cut off the affected areas, treat with a fungicide.
Leaf plates wrinkle from excess moisture or lack of lighting.
Growth slows down: lack of nutrients, excessive moisture in the winter.

Nematodes are a dangerous pest for prickly pears. Bulges appear on the plant, which must be cut off. Get an emergency transplant. Immerse the root system in hot water for 10 minutes (do not touch the root collar). Sprinkle the roots with crushed charcoal.

Other pests are extremely rare. Among them: scale insects, aphids, mealybugs. It is easy to get rid of them by treatment with an insecticidal preparation.

Typical problems

PROBLEM	CAUSE	DECISION
Mealybug	Small white insects. They settle in numerous colonies on the aboveground part and roots. Growth slows down, the likelihood of developing a fungus increases. The provoking factors are humid air and heat.	Infected plants are sprayed with insecticides. From home remedies, spraying with tincture of garlic, tobacco helps.
Spider mite	Small dots and a thin cobweb appear on the surface of the cactus.	Repeated spraying with Inta-Vir solutions is carried out. Can be treated with carbaphos, alcohol. The preparations "Temis", "Aldikrab" are introduced into the soil.
Anthracnose	Fungal infection. Recognized by wet areas of yellowish brown color.	The damaged places are carefully cut out, the sections are sprinkled with sulfur. They are alternately treated with insecticides and fungicides.
Rot	The reasons are excessive watering, lack of light. There are several types of rot - cactus phytophthora, wet rot.	The cactus is transplanted into sterile soil. Rotten roots and stems are removed, sprinkled with sulfur. For 3 weeks, the plant is left without watering. Repeatedly at weekly intervals, they are treated with the preparations "Fundazol", "Oksikhom", "Hom".

Some varieties of prickly pear can be grown not only at home, but also in flower beds. When well cared for, they bloom profusely with beautiful yellow flowers.

Opuntia cacti with photos and names

Opuntia white-haired Opuntia leucotricha

Opuntia white-haired Opuntia leucotricha photo

A large tree-like cactus, therefore, only young specimens are grown in indoor conditions. Glochidia are long, whitish in color. The flowers are yellow.

Indian prickly pear or fig Opuntia ficus-indica

Indian prickly pear or fig Opuntia ficus-indica photo

Consists of branching succulent segments. The thorns are hard. In the natural environment, it reaches a height of 4 m, at home it is used to create a hedge. Flowers are bright yellow.

Opuntia small-haired Opuntia microdasys

Opuntia small-haired Opuntia microdasys photo

One meter long, well-branching cactus. Tiny glochidia are gathered in bunches. They appear fluffy, but tough to the touch.

Opuntia cylindrical Opuntia cylindrica

Opuntia cylindrical Opuntia cylindrica photo

Separate segments have a cylindrical shape, the branches are upright. Scarlet inflorescences.

Opuntia Berger Opuntia bergeriana

Opuntia Berger Opuntia bergeriana photo

Reaches a height of 1 m. The bush is well branched. The spines are long, yellow in color, most of them are located near the flower buds. One of the most beautifully flowering varieties: inflorescences of a red-orange hue, the edges of the petals are transparent, the pistil is greenish.

Opuntia sheri Opuntia scheerii

Opuntia sheri Opuntia scheerii photo

A spherical cactus, densely covered with bunches of brown glochidia. Flowers are pastel yellow.

Opuntia pubescent Opuntia tomentosa

Separate segments reach a length of 20 cm. It has practically no thorns, covered with fine pubescence.

Opuntia curassavica Opuntia curassavica

Opuntia curassavica Opuntia curassavica photo

It has a deep green color, the areoles are yellowish, the spines are long. Segments are easily detached with little impact, which makes vegetative propagation even more convenient.

Long-spiked prickly pear Opuntia longispina

Opuntia long-spiked Opuntia longispina photo

A low-growing cactus, individual segments do not exceed 4 cm in length. Numerous areoles have a brown tint, spines are long, red in color.

Opuntia vulgaris Opuntia vulgaris

Opuntia ordinary or creeping Opuntia vulgaris photo

The height of the tree-like cactus is 4-6 m. The shade of the plant is light green, the areola is with grayish pubescence, about 4 strong yellow spines emerge from each bud.

Opuntia compressed Opuntia compressa

Opuntia compressed Opuntia compressa photo

A beautiful plant with lodging branches, the segments seem to be pressed to the ground, hence the name. The flowers are very beautiful, large, with three corollas, orange centers, yellow petals.

Opuntia multi-prickly Opuntia rutila

Opuntia many prickly Opuntia rutila photo

Compact view with rounded segments covered with numerous spiny cones. The flowers are large, like roses.

Opuntia many prickly Opuntia rutila yellow photo

There are many variations of this look and they are all very beautiful.

Opuntia Berger Opuntia bergeriana

Opuntia Berger Opuntia bergeriana photo

It is about 1 m in height. The height of individual segments is limited to 25 cm in length; they are slightly angular in shape. Spines of different lengths, have a yellowish tint. Inflorescences are sunny yellow with a greenish pistil.

Opuntia Gosselina Opuntia gosseliniana

Opuntia Gosselina Opuntia gosseliniana photo

A very popular look. At a young age, the "leaves" have a scarlet hue, over time they become tricolor: green-blue with a gray tint. The length of the thorns reaches 10 cm, but they are soft to the touch, located on the tops of the shoots.

Garden prickly pear

Opuntia garden photo

It hibernates successfully in the open field under a snow carpet. If a snowless winter is foreseen, cover with dry leaves, spruce branches. Spines are located along the entire perimeter, the flowers are yellow. Feature: before the onset of cold weather, the shoots begin to wrinkle and creep along the ground.

Opuntia subulata Opuntia subulata

Elongated spines are located at the joints of the central trunk with individual segments, they are similar to hair, but hard to the touch. Scarlet flowers.

Opuntia monacantha variegata Opuntia monacantha variegata

Opuntia monacantha variegata Opuntia monacantha variegata photo

Light green cactus. The surface is glossy, with reddish spines. Perfect for home floriculture.

Brazilian prickly pear Brasiloopuntia brasilensis

Brazilian prickly pear Brasiloopuntia brasilensis photo

Treelike, reaching a height of 20 m. Separate segments of different shapes are located on one plant, their tops are covered with long (about 14 cm) thorns.

Opuntia elatior Opuntia elatior

Opuntia elatior Opuntia elatior photo

A very branchy tall cactus with long thorns and many small bumps on the ribs on which buds develop. Abundant flowering, semi-double flowers, bright red.

Opuntia cochineal Opuntia cochenillifera

Originally from Brazil. The chaotically spaced segments make up the intricate overall shape of the plant. It blooms very beautifully with pink-red flowers with multiple stamens and yellow centers.

Description and interesting features

Evergreen perennial. Belonging to the cactus family. The habitat is in the temperate, tropical and subtropical climate of America. Sometimes found in India, Australia and even in the southern part of Russia.

It grows as a shrub with creeping or erect shoots, sometimes as a tree. Stems are articulated, flattened. Areoles with spines and hook-shaped setae. The leaves are juicy, small, subulate, quickly fall off. Flowers are bisexual, single. Colors - red, orange, yellow shades. After flowering, the edible fruits with tough seeds ripen.

Interesting! In folk medicine, the prickly pear cactus is considered a medicinal plant. It is used for obesity, stomach problems, diabetes mellitus. The high potassium and calcium content stimulates the production of insulin. The flowers contain astringent substances with a hemostatic effect.

Description

Opuntia is an evergreen perennial upright or creeping shrub or semi-shrub. The stems have a jointed structure and are covered with bunches of small or hooked spines called glochidia. The thorns have small notches that, when touched, dig into the skin and clothing. You can remove the thorns with warm soapy water or tweezers.

The plant has a very powerful root system.developing in width. That is why the flower has access to water and nutrients in all climates.

Opuntia blooms with large bright single flowers, the petals of which have a glossy surface. The color of the flower depends on the variety and can be red, orange or yellow. The flowers are bisexual.

Fruits are formed at the end of the flowering period and are large in size. Outside, the fruits are covered with thorns, inside are fleshy and juicy. The pulp contains flat seeds covered with a hard skin.

The shape of the plant is bizarre and varied. Since the plant consists of articulated stems, it can be round, flat, or elongated. The plant can reach a height of two meters. In natural conditions, some species reach six meters in height, but in nature there are dwarf and ground cover varieties.

Variety of species

White-haired prickly pear. This is a tree-like cactus, consisting of elongated segments, the length of which reaches 20 centimeters. Their surface is covered with a dense layer of yellow spines. The plant blooms with large yellow flowers with a tubular center. The fruits have a light aroma.
The main or main prickly pear is a shrub with long stems, the segments of which are colored greenish-blue or red. The segments are slightly pubescent and have a small number of spines. Flowers can be bright red or pink.
Opuntia Gosselina has small thin segments, painted in a grayish-green color, may have a weakly pronounced dark pattern. The thorns are soft enough. The flowers are medium in size, colored yellow.
Opuntia is fine-haired. The plant is distinguished by a highly branched stem, consisting of small flat segments that are dark green in color. The halos of the prickly pear consist of a large number of pale yellow glochidia.
Indian prickly pear. The Indian ficus is also called. The cactus is bush-shaped. The stem is tall, straight, consists of oval-shaped segments covered with single spines. The flowers are large enough, bright red. The fruits are edible, have a slightly sweetish taste, and there are large seeds inside.