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Beavertail Cactus in the GardenTags plant encyclopedia

Opuntia basilaris

 

Beavertail Cactus

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 @blocherr

 
plant Features
  • Beavertail Cactus likes full sun to partial shade

    Full sun to partial shade

  • Beavertail Cactus likes very little water

    Very little water

  • Beavertail Cactus is frost hardy: 23f (-5°c)

    Frost Hardy: 23F (-5°C)

  • Beavertail Cactus likes free draining and fertile

    Free draining and fertile

 
plant information

Common name

Beavertail Cactus

Latin name

Opuntia basilaris

type

Flowering plant

family

Cactaceae

ph

5.0 - 7.5 Acid - Neutral

  • Light

    Beavertail Cactus likes full sun to partial shade

    Full sun to partial shade

  • Frost

    Beavertail Cactus is frost hardy: 23f (-5°c)

    Frost Hardy: 23F (-5°C)

  • Soil

    Beavertail Cactus likes free draining and fertile

    Free draining and fertile

  • Water

    Beavertail Cactus likes very little water

    Very little water

Plant & bloom calendar

  •  
    Best time to plant

full grown dimensions

The size of a fully grown Beavertail Cactus is 1.80meters x 0.30meters 1.80 M 0.30 M

Opuntia basilaris

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).

 
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