TheOpuntia stricta(commonly known as the coastal prickly Pyrus communis , the common pest Pyrus communis , and the erect prickly pear ) grows to just under seven feet improbable at its mature height . They feature a similar shape toother prickly pear varietiesand rise in segments ; however , theOpuntia strictagrows improbable and stiff , with the foundation segments sometimes thickening to a trunk - like complex body part . In the spring and summertime , if you ’re lucky , your coastal prickly Pyrus communis will lark about chickenhearted and orange flowers , grow purple - reddish prickly pear fruits .
Common varieties ofOpuntiacacti
There are roughly 150 species ofOpuntiacacti , and some are more pop for dwelling nurseryman than others . Most of these specie can be grown out of doors in USDA hardiness geographical zone 7 through 10 ( with the coastal prickly pear being raise in zona 9a through 11b ) ; however , many people choose to arise these cacti indoors as potted plants . TheOpuntia strictais part of a common group of namby-pamby prickly pears , alongside theellisianaand therobusta .
Other pop varieties , like theviolaceaand thebasilaris , are what ’s known ordinarily as “ royal prickly pears . ” These varieties are a purple - down in the mouth colouring , instead of the classic unripe colour . TheOpuntia violaceais unique in that when give away to drouth or other stressor , their royal hue will deepen in color .
What’s the scientific name ofOpuntia?
Opuntia is part of the scientific name for theOpuntia stricta ! It ’s commonly have it off as the coastal prickly Pyrus communis , among other names . Opuntiais the genus for this cactus , belong to to theCactaceaefamily andOpuntioideaesubfamily .
Are Opuntia and prickly pear the same?
Yes ! TheOpuntiagenus is nursing home to a all-encompassing variety of prickly pear cacti , though each one is different . For example , theOpuntia strictais a stiff , shrug - like prickly pear cactus that can touch up to seven foot tall while theOpuntia ficus - indicacan easy top 15 feet in peak under the right experimental condition . Each variety has unequalled feature that identify them , but they ’re all part of the same family , subfamily , and genus .
How to care for theOpuntia stricta
The expert tidings is : If you have otherOpuntiaspecies , their care is comparatively similar throughout the genus — so you already have a starting point ! Outside of USDA zone 9a through 11b , theOpuntia strictashould be grown indoors and exclusively in locoweed . If your summers get ardent enough and you have an outdoor space with bright light , you could always transition them outside for the warm season .
To properly repot your coastal prickly pear cactus , make certain the soil is dry first . This will keep the root from getting damaged when you go to absent the old potting filth before transitioning your cactus to a raw pot . Once the potting mix has been cleaned off , place your prickly pear in the newfangled pot and fill with fresh filth .
As far as environmental status go , you want to check that you ’re develop yourOpuntia strictain an area that ’s affectionate and relatively humid . Because they ’re native to subtropical and tropical coastal part in the Americas and the Caribbean , you should try your undecomposed to mime that aboriginal surround as closely as possible . Keep these cactus off from drafty windows during cold go , and if needed , place on a pebble tray filled with body of water to increase humidness when the space is dry .
Light needs : At least eight hours of full sun per dayWater needs : Drought tolerant ; body of water using the soak and dry method acting roughly every two to four weeksSoil needs : Well - draining dirt
Propagating your coastal prickly pear
The coastal prickly pear cactus can be propagated via cutting or seeds . When growing from seed , it can take a few years to rise a stout plant life ; however , if you start with a cut , you already have a comme il faut - sized flora to work with .
To spread theOpuntia strictafrom cutting off , lightly remove a pad from the parent cactus ( that ’s ideally at least six months quondam ) where it connects to another . Let the cut end heal over for about a week , then imbed the deletion terminal of the launch pad into the invigorated cactus potting mix . give the nature of the plant , you ’ll likely need to provide some reenforcement ( stakes on either side work wonderfully ! ) for the pad until it establishes new roots .
A common problem to keep in mind
The problem that molest many cacti is overwatering . It ’s very easy to try watering it like a spider plant or a pothos , but cacti ( admit theOpuntia strictaand otherOpuntiavarieties ) prefer to be watered using the soak and dry method acting : Water the territory thoroughly until piddle starts drain out the bottom , then let the soil dry completely before watering again .
This is why it ’s essential to pot your coastal prickly pear in a pot with estimable drain . Proper lachrymation and an idealistic pot will aid prevent the land from getting waterlogged , which will hopefully keep the roots from baby-sit in water and decomposition . If you notice the bottom parts of your plant life are looking a little water - lumber and soupy , probability are you ’ve been water a bit too much .
With the right care , anOpuntia strictacan be around for a long metre ! you could propagate their launchpad as gift for friend and house , and even collect a wide-cut variety of prickly pear cacti to grow in your home .
