Opuntia Basilaris 'Baby Rita'
Baby Rita
This low, spreading cactus with short bristles grows 30cm high and up to 1.8m. The grey-green, oval shaped stems are wide and flat resembling the tail of a beaver. The stems grow in clumps with flowers sprouting from the top edge. Flowers are followed by a brownish-grey, oval fruit containing many seeds.
Contributed by @petalarray
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Full sun to partial shade
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Very little water
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Frost Hardy: 23F (-5°C)
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Free draining and fertile
Common name
Baby Rita
Latin name
Opuntia Basilaris 'Baby Rita'
type
Flowering plant
family
Cactaceae
ph
5.0 - 7.5 Acid - Neutral
Plant & bloom calendar
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Best time to plant
full grown dimensions
Opuntia Basilaris 'Baby Rita'
This low, spreading cactus with short bristles grows 30cm high and up to 1.8m. The grey-green, oval shaped stems are wide and flat resembling the tail of a beaver. The stems grow in clumps with flowers sprouting from the top edge. Flowers are followed by a brownish-grey, oval fruit containing many seeds.
Propogation by cuttings
From Early Spring TO Early Spring
Beavertail Cactus can be propagated from seeds or from pads. Growing Beavertail Cactus from pad is comparatively easy than seeds. To facilitate the rooting it is preferable to wait until the cuts are perfectly healed (about 1 – 2 week) before planting. Tuck them an inch deep on the ground or in containers. The rooting take place in a short time, usually in a month. Save the rooting pad from afternoon sun and water it when top one inch of soil seems dry.
Planting
From Early Spring TO Early Spring
Growing Beavertail Cactus on a sunny location allows the plant to thrive and fruit. Beavertail Cactus is a tropical plant so it loves warm exposure. However, it can withstand temperatures down to 14 F (-10 C) but in areas with harsh winters it is good to plant it on a sheltered spot, near a wall or tall tree to protect it from cold drafts and fluctuation in temperature. If you’re living in a cooler climate, growing prickly pear cactus in a container is the better option for you as it can only be grown on the ground where winter temperature remains above 14 F (- 10 C).