OPUNTIA CACTI
Opuntia has been a been a healthful part of the
Native American diet throughout history. It is a traditional vegetable of Mexico. Its usually served
roasted, blanched or raw in salads. Each species has a distinct yet delicate
flavor.
Inside or
out, these plants are perfect potted for creative habitats and landscaping. They
thrive in full sun, require little water once established and are easily grown
indoors in a sunny window or under a grow light.
Opuntia propagates its self
by the 'Parent Plant' dropping pads onto the ground that sprout roots. If you
leave a pad in a warm area for a couple months, it will sprout roots- even with
out dirt.
Pruning a mature plant is not harmful to
the parent plant, and stimulates new growth. Pads planted in a warm
environment first set off roots and begin producing pads, normally within three months. It
takes 2-5 years depending on growing conditions for a plant to mature. Protect young plants to prevent your animals from
harming it. In warm climates, well-tended established plants may yield 20 to 40
one-half pound pads at each harvest. If you have larger tortoises, plant lots of cactus.
Although edible, we don't recommend spiny
opuntia be planted directly into reptile
habitats.
Use barely moist soil at planting time and pack soil down firmly. Wait 2 to 4 weeks
before first watering. For getting your pads started indoors, put a couple inches of
gravel in bottom of pot for added drainage. Place the pads small end down in a
mixture of soil and dirt at least 1/4 way deep in the soil. (1/2 soil and sand
works) be sure tips have had a couple of weeks to dry out before potting.
To stimulate
growth, the end that is inserted in the soil can be dipped into a rooting hormone
to speed up the rooting process, and to protect the pad from fungus. Place pads in a sunny,
warm window in bright light. Cacti require little water, especially rooting
pads. Do let them dry out completely between watering. One way to determine
if your cacti are dry is by inserting your finger in the soil and feeling for
moisture. If soil is dry several inches below the surface, water is needed.
Cactus grown indoors only needs to be watered once a month. Never leave
excess water in the saucer as this can lead to root rot. Frequency of watering
will depend on humidity, heat, lighting, and season of the year. If soil is
completely dry, soak thoroughly. For lighting, you can use an old reptile
basking light or a grow bulb.
OUTDOOR LOCATION: FULL SUN
Choose a sunny spot in a well draining area. It may be helpful to add additional
sand to this area. Plant the pads small end in the soil inserting the pad 1/4 the length of the pad. These are huge impressive and heavy plants, if not
planted deeply enough they may fall over.
If your getting your pads started outside during the rainy season simply lay them
in the desired spot. Rooted plants will tolerate extended periods of rainfall. Large
cacti outdoors need to be dry when temperature is cold. They must have good drainage;
no standing water or wet soil in saucer or bottom.
ROOT ROT:
Excessive standing water and not enough drainage causes root rot. Making
the area you plant in 1/3 sand easily prevents this. Plants with
a good root system are less likely to get root rot. To salvage a pad that
has root rot: cut away the healthy pad and allow it to dry out for at least
ten days, then plant..
FERTILIZE:
If you grow the prickly pear for its pads, feed with a high-nitrogen fertilizer.
If you prefer more flowers and fruits, give the plants a no-nitrogen fertilizer
such as 0-10-10 once a month, even through the winter.
REMOVING SPINES:
Handle with metal canning tongs or simply stab w/ a fork. Hold over open flame
(stove top etc.) burn off spines, dip in cool water before serving.
FEEDING OPUNTIA:
Many turtles & tortoises in the wild regularly consume cacti and cactus
fruit naturally. By instinct, they know what foods they need. Providing this as part of
a varied diet will benefit your tortoise's health.
Most turtles will relish Opuntia at first offering. Being creatures of habit,
occasionally captive animals will need a bit of encouragement:
1) Grating a pad on a cheese grater and mixing this in with preferred foods.
2) Offering tender new pads or slicing them to the size of green beans and feeding.
GROWING CACTUS IN AN OUTDOOR
ENCLOSURE:
Opuntia requires little water. Take care when watering other vegetation, not to
over water your cacti. Remember to plant your Opuntia away from where your turtle
can nibble until it is well established.
|
