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Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, Inc.
The Society of Tempera Painters
Marians Of The Immaculate Conception
Opuntia
– Prickly Pear
A Name Deserved!
ZONE: Varies with cultivar or variety
TYPE: Tender Annual/Houseplant or Hardy Perennial
SOIL: Gritty and well drained
LIGHT: Full sun
GROWTH: Slow to Fast
The Opuntia genus of plants is probably best recognized by its member commonly
referred to as the Prickly Pear. Opuntia Ficus-Indica is grown as a food crop
for cattle as well as for people. Cattle are fed the pads or joints of the plant
and the fruit is harvested for many different food dishes. Native to many areas
of North America, the Opuntia comes in very
many sizes and shapes. The Opuntia is
representative of how plants adapt to varied surroundings and conditions. There
are tropical Opuntias that grow to tree form and size, as well as low
ground-hugging varieties that love to leave their spines on the legs of anyone
passing by. Cultivation is basically the same for most of the
varieties, but
there can be differences so it is best to research the type you wish to grow.
The most commonly grown houseplants or garden plants require full
sun, very well
drained soil, and little if any fertilizer. Many are hardy plants, such as
Opuntia humifusa, Opuntia robusta, and Opuntia macrocentra, a beautiful purple
plant with long black spines. The tropical varieties such as Opuntia microdasis
‘albata’ or Angora Bunny Ears need warmer temperatures (above 45 degrees)
slightly
more water, and slightly more organic material in the soil mix. Water
is the key to successful cultivation, or rather the lack of it. Too much water
and these will
rot very quickly.
The shape and sharpness of these plants lends them to be used carefully in the
home garden. They have great potential as architectural specimen plants and can
also look very nice in a rock garden where narcissi and small iris soften their
highly textural look. They will multiply rapidly, given the right conditions. In
Australia where they were introduced as cattle and sheep fodder, they overtook
many areas and became a great nuisance. In North American home gardens however,
with their beautiful blooms of reds and
yellows, they can add a silent beauty to
the home landscape.
Cacti
and Succulent Society of America