Opuntia zebrinais not realize as a separatespeciesand is treat as a synonym ofOpuntia dillenii . Although they have similarity , Opuntia zebrinais diminished andoften has fewer acantha thanOpuntia dillenii . Additionally , the unequalled banded pricker are characteristic ofOpuntia zebrina .
genus Opuntia zebrinaSmall
Opuntia dillenii(Ker Gawl . ) Haw .
In habitat, Florida Keys, Florida, United States. Derivative of a photo byAidan Campos. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.
Family : CactaceaeSubfamily : OpuntioideaeTribe : OpuntieaeGenus : Opuntia
The specific name " zebrina " ( pronounced " zeb - REE - nuh " ) signify " with stripes like a zebra " and refers to the spines of this plant that are band yellowish - brown and blue brown .
Opuntia zebrinais native to theUnited States , specifically to the Florida Keys , a chain of more or less 60 island off the southern coast of Florida .
In habitat, Florida Keys, Florida, United States. Derivative of a photo byVeronique Tessier. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.
Opuntia zebrinais an vertical or spreadingshrubwith branches comprise of ovate to reciprocally ovate segments , commonly called stamp pad . Thiscactuscan grow up to 3.3 feet ( 1 m ) tall . The pads are fleeceable to gray - green , with the lowerareoleslacking spines and on an irregular basis spined upper areoles . Each areole also has a tussock of brownglochids . The spines are needle - like and band in yellowish - dark-brown and sour brown , measuring about 1.6 inches ( 4 curium ) long . once in a while , pads may have only one vertebral column on the surface , while 2 to 3 spines can be find along the edges .
From summer to mid - autumn , Opuntia zebrinaproduces gravid xanthous flowers . Its pear tree - shaped fruits range from reddish to purple and hold yellow - chocolate-brown come .
Light : Opuntia zebrinathrives in full sun , but some shade during midday and afternoon can foreclose suntan in red-hot mood . When grown indoors , it work beneficial in a window that obtain sunlight for 6 hours a day .
In habitat, Florida Keys, Florida, United States. Derivative of a photo byAidan Campos. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.
dirt : This cactus requires a well - enfeeble soil mix . you’re able to utilise a commercial cactus potting mix orcreate your own .
Temperature : Opuntiazebrinais highly patient of of high temperaturesandprefers cool temperatures in winter . It grows best inUSDA Plant Hardiness Zones9a to 11b , with modal minimum winter temperature ranging from 20 to 50 ° F ( -6.7 to 10 ° cytosine ) .
lachrymation : From spring to light , water moderately and let the soil dry out out completely before water again . In most area , rainfall will be enough for established plants . If pot , never let the container baby-sit in water . Suspendwateringduring the wintertime .
In habitat, Florida Keys, Florida, United States. Derivative of a photo byAidan Campos. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.
fertilise : Opuntiazebrinadoes not need fertilizer when plant in the ground . However , if arise in a container , it will profit from fertilizing during the growing season . utilize a water - soluble plant food . set aside feed during the winter when the flora goes dormant .
Repotting : Repot only when the cactus becomes rootbound or is too declamatory and fluid in its container . pick out a slenderly larger container with drainage holes at the bottom . The best time for repotting is late winter or other outpouring .
Propagation : Opuntiazebrinacan be pass around by shank segments or seeds . The easy method acting is using stem segment , which give way faster results . For best result , take the fore section in early summerand sow the seeds in late spring .
Learn more atHow to farm and Care for Opuntia .
Opuntiazebrinais not toxic to human or pets . However , it is best to keep this plant aside from pet and children , as its harmful spine and glochid may cause tegument irritation .
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