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Eastern Prickley Pear Cactus in the GardenTags plant encyclopedia

Opuntia humifusa

 

Eastern Prickley Pear Cactus

Opuntia humifusa is probaby the most suitable for British conditions, tolerating wetter conditions than most Opuntias. Typically in a cold winter, it shrivels somewhat, its skin crinkling and turning purple but when the warm weather of Spring rolls around again, it regains condition and growth is rapid, sprouting many new cladodes. Opuntia are commonly referred to as 'Prickly Pear' plants and are native to the Americas. Prickly pears typically grow with flat, rounded pads (cladodes) armed with two kinds of spines; large, smooth, fixed spines and small, hairlike prickles called glochids. Opuntia species are the most cold-tolerant of the lowland cacti. Requires porous cactus soil and adequate airflow. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch. Protect from frost; hardy to 32F.

Contributed by @rootguru13

 
plant Features
  • Eastern Prickley Pear Cactus likes full sun to partial shade

    Full sun to partial shade

  • Eastern Prickley Pear Cactus likes very little water

    Very little water

  • Eastern Prickley Pear Cactus is a little frost hardy: 32f (0°c)

    A little frost hardy: 32F (0°C)

  • Eastern Prickley Pear Cactus likes light and free draining

    Light and free draining

 
plant information

Common name

Eastern Prickley Pear Cactus

Latin name

Opuntia humifusa

type

Flowering plant

family

Cactaceae

ph

5.0 - 7.5 Acid - Neutral

  • Light

    Eastern Prickley Pear Cactus likes full sun to partial shade

    Full sun to partial shade

  • Frost

    Eastern Prickley Pear Cactus is a little frost hardy: 32f (0°c)

    A little frost hardy: 32F (0°C)

  • Soil

    Eastern Prickley Pear Cactus likes light and free draining

    Light and free draining

  • Water

    Eastern Prickley Pear Cactus likes very little water

    Very little water

Plant & bloom calendar

  •  
    Best time to plant

full grown dimensions

The size of a fully grown Eastern Prickley Pear Cactus is 0.30meters x 0.35meters 0.30 M 0.35 M

Opuntia humifusa

Opuntia humifusa is probaby the most suitable for British conditions, tolerating wetter conditions than most Opuntias. Typically in a cold winter, it shrivels somewhat, its skin crinkling and turning purple but when the warm weather of Spring rolls around again, it regains condition and growth is rapid, sprouting many new cladodes. Opuntia are commonly referred to as 'Prickly Pear' plants and are native to the Americas. Prickly pears typically grow with flat, rounded pads (cladodes) armed with two kinds of spines; large, smooth, fixed spines and small, hairlike prickles called glochids. Opuntia species are the most cold-tolerant of the lowland cacti. Requires porous cactus soil and adequate airflow. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch. Protect from frost; hardy to 32F.


Propogation by cuttings

From Early Spring TO Early Spring

Angel Wings cactus can be propagated from seeds or from pads. Growing Angel Wings 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 Angel Wings cactus on a sunny location allows the plant to thrive and fruit. Angel Wings cactus is a tropical plant so it loves warm exposure. However, it can withstand temperatures down to 0C 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 Angel Wings cactus in a container is the better option for you as it can only be grown on the ground where winter temperature remains above freezing.

 
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