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- Q.Prickly Pear Cactus - I have a prickly pear that is about 15 years old. In all the time I have had it, it has ...
- Q.Prickly Pear Cactus - How does one treat a diseased prickly pear cactus in Albuquerque (westside) New Mexico? Half the tunas have rotted/deteriorated over ...
- Q.Propagating Prickly Pear Cactus - Should the pads be placed in soil or set out to dry without soil? Any more information would be appreciated.
- Q.Prickly Pear In Shade - We have a garden area in a courtyard in Arizona that never gets direct sun. I'd like to plant an ...
- Q.Grass Invading Prickly Pear Cactus - I have a patch of prickly pear cactus which I really like. The problem is the grass grows up with ...
- Q.Prickly Cactus - Can a pad that fell off plant during winter root again?
- Q.Prickly Pear Cactus Rots From Excess Water - Pad of prickly pear cactus rots from excess water, I can sow the part that is not damaged ...
Asked by
mia on
June 27, 2011Q.Prickly Pear Cactus
I have a prickly pear that is about 15 years old. In all the time I have had it, it has only bloomed once. It was covered with hundreds of yellow flowers. What am I doing wrong? I have taken a piece of it and started a new one a few years ago. I keep that outside year round, I live in Zone 6. The original I bring in every fall along with my night blooming cactus.
Please help and thank you
Answered by
Heather on
July 4, 2011
Certified ExpertA.It may not be getting enough cold in the winter. They need cold, dry winters to bloom and in the house, it may not be cool enough or kept dry enough.
I would check to see what the exact zones are for your variety of prickly pear cactus. It may be able to survive outside year round where you live. If this is the case, in the fall, move it to a sheltered location, like under an eve, where it will not get too much water from rain or snow.
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- Asked by
Anonymous on
March 18, 2014Q.Prickly Pear Cactus
How does one treat a diseased prickly pear cactus in Albuquerque (westside) New Mexico? Half the tunas have rotted/deteriorated over the winter.
- Answered by
Nikki on
March 18, 2014
Certified ExpertA.It sounds like your cactus has rot. It is typically causes by too much water during dormant seasons but that normally causes rot at the base, so I think yours is caused by a fungus as the rot is higher. Treat the plant with a fungicide, and if possible, remove any rotted areas.
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
ppear on
November 19, 2015
89145Q.Propagating prickly pear cactus
Should the pads be placed in soil or set out to dry without soil? Any more information would be appreciated.
- Answered by
shelley on
November 21, 2015
Certified ExpertA.After the initial cut it is recommended to let the cut section dry for a day or so, then place it cut side down in sandy potting soil.
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Billdehn on
January 5, 2016
ScottsdaleQ.Prickly pear in shade
We have a garden area in a courtyard in Arizona that never gets direct sun. I'd like to plant an opuntia because of shape and texture. Can it survive, even if it doesn't grow much there?
- Answered by
Downtoearthdigs on
January 6, 2016A.Prickly Pear Cactus does need a dry, full sun location.
Will it survive? It likely would survive but not thrive.
I might suggest Agave victoria, Agave porryi or a Euphorbia.
These would be nice specimen plants that would thrive in a shade location.https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/prickly-pear/growing-prickly-pear.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Nancy Higdon on
May 27, 2016
40076Q.grass invading prickly pear cactus
I have a patch of prickly pear cactus which I really like. The problem is the grass grows up with it and you can't see thy cactus. Is there something that would kill the grass, but not harm the cactus or could I gently sprinkle rocks in until the rocks kill out the grass? Perhaps you know another solution. Nancy Higdon bighiggy1@bellsouth.net
- Answered by
kh0001 on
May 29, 2016A.The "best" way to get rid of your unwanted grass largely depends on what type of grass it is. If you're not sure, try vinegar. This article will explain how: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/how-to-kill-grass-naturally-kill-unwanted-grass-in-your-yard.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
March 27, 2017Q.Prickly cactus
Can a pad that fell off plant during winter root again?
- Answered by
Downtoearthdigs on
March 28, 2017A.Yes, you can propagate a Cactus.
Here is a link with more information.
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
gldysmln on
April 21, 2017
00692Q.Prickly pear cactus rots from excess water
Pad of prickly pear cactus rots from excess water, I can sow the part that is not damaged I put it in sand in a sunny spot in the garden
- Answered by
Downtoearthdigs on
April 24, 2017A.These links will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/scgen/removing-cactus-pups.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/prickly-pear/growing-prickly-pear.htmWas this answer useful?00
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