Opuntia exaltata
Long Spine Cactus
Opuntia exaltata is a long spined, branching cactus with red flowers. It blooms twice a year, late spring and in autumn.
Contributed by @posidave
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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
Long Spine Cactus
Latin name
Opuntia exaltata
type
Flowering plant
family
Cactaceae
ph
5.0 - 7.5 Acid - Neutral
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Light
Full sun to partial shade
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Frost
Frost Hardy: 23F (-5°C)
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Soil
Free draining and fertile
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Water
Very little water
Plant & bloom calendar
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Best time to plant
full grown dimensions
2.00 M
2.00 M
Opuntia exaltata
Opuntia exaltata is a long spined, branching cactus with red flowers. It blooms twice a year, late spring and in autumn.
Propogation by cuttings
From Early Spring TO Early Spring
Long Spine Cactus can be propagated from seeds or from pads. Growing Long Spine 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 Long Spine Cactus on a sunny location allows the plant to thrive and fruit. Long Spine 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).
posidave