On my way home from teaching a wild edible class this week, I noticed an unusual plant
in full bloom.
I have been a fan of this plant since I lived in Florida. Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus or Opuntia humifusa is in bloom right now. The bright yellow bloom is a flower that will light up any area.
What I have liked about this plant is that it is an easy easy-to- grow plant. I have grown this plant for over six years.
Eastern Prickly Pear Cacti have stems that are divided into flat paddle-like segments called cladophylls.
Each paddle-like segment is approximately two to seven inches long with a blue tint. The narrow spines are wedge-shaped.
The blooms that you see are followed by edible purple or red fruits called tunas. These are the prickly pears and, though they’re not as large and tasty as the Desert Prickly Pear Cactus they can still be made into nice jellies and pickles just like the Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus.
Have you had Prickly Pear Cactus jelly?
To care for your own Prickly Pear Cactus, you will need a location with well-drained soil first and foremost. Without the well-drained soil your plant will develop all kinds of fungal diseases.
Plant your cacti in the full sun and in a sandy or gravely mix. Water only lightly. Don’t be alarmed if your plants appear to deflate during the winter – this is their normal response to dormancy, and they’ll plump up back in spring.
As with most cacti, the Eastern Prickly Pear does best in full sun for at least eight hours a day. It can handle partial shade if it’s planted in hotter climates, such as a more traditional desert landscape.
More light exposure will also lead to a larger plant. More light exposure will also lead to a larger plant. With extra light, more blooms come later in the spring and summer.
Plant prickly pear cacti in well-drained soil. A mix of dry, sandy, or gravely soil will work.
It can also do well in a mixture of primarily clay, so long as it drains very well and the soil does not retain much moisture.
When it comes to pH levels, prickly pear isn’t especially high-maintenance and can thrive in a neutral-to-acidic mixture with a pH level of 6.0-7.5.
Given we had a drought last year during the summer you will find prickly pear cactus to be extremely drought tolerant, so when in doubt, water it less than you think it needs.
In most areas, the typical rainfall will likely be enough for the cacti to thrive but if not, you can plan to water the plant every two to four weeks.
Like any cactus, the prickly pear likes warm, dry weather. Eastern prickly pear cacti can survive cold temperatures down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, it will grow larger (and bloom more) when raised in warm temperatures.
Keep in mind, it needs to be kept dry, so any additional humidity (like misting the plant) is unnecessary.
Additional fertilizing outdoor-planted cactus is not needed. Occasional feeding of indoor plants may be required. A balanced fertilizer is what is needed.
Let the plant give you an indication of what the plant needs. If the cactus turns pale green or flowers are missing, you should feed your plant.
During the six years that I had one in my yard, I did not prune any portion of my cactus. This will be the norm for your prickly pear cactus.
Remember that you must deal with the prickles.
Therefore, tongs and heavy thick gloves should be used if you wish to maintain a particular shape for your cactus and cut the pads for the shaping.
The pests that I experienced in the cactus I have had were limited to the various diseases by overwatering. The indoor-raised cacti have had scales and mealybugs occasionally.
Most of the time for both insects I used methyl alcohol and neem oil on cotton swabs. There are others.
I have enjoyed growing a wide variety of plants and I feel that prickly pear cactus is worthwhile.
I hope you have a great stroll through your garden this week. If you find any challenges, let me know at ericlarson546@yahoo.com.