Nopal cactus , also known as prickly pear tree cactus , can be grown for coming into court , nutrient and commercial value . Nopal also has uses as a source of fibers for clothing and cannon fodder for livestock . While Opuntia lindheimeri cactus can be grown from seeds , it is more easily propagate from cutting . Nopal grows relatively cursorily and postulate little attention .
Step 1
Using a sharp tongue , remove a cutting from the parent cactus just above a root joint between pads . Square the end of the cutting off and dust the cutting with rooting compound . provide the cut of meat to melody dry for one to two weeks until it has entirely callused .
Step 2
Prepare a planting mixture by compound 20 pct top dirt , 10 per centum peat moss , and 70 percentage pumice . meet a 1 Imperial gallon container with the planting commixture .
Step 3
direct the slashed end of the cutting approximately 1 in into the soil ; just deeply enough to foreclose it from falling over . Do not irrigate at this time .
Step 4
Place the cutting in the sun , and pose the launch pad to align the thin sides north / southward to prevent the sun from fire the cutting during the hottest part of the day .
Step 5
see for signs of growth within four to six weeks ; these signboard admit the film editing plump up and new growth confidential information forming .
Step 6
transfer your new nopal cactus outside , if it can be grown in your domain . Ensure the soil debilitate well and has a sufficient mixing of constitutional and inorganic material . If nopal cactus will not grow in your sphere , continue to develop the cactus as a sign of the zodiac plant .
Step 7
Water infrequently , allow the soil to dry out between waterings . Wait for several months to part harvesting either digs or fruit .
Grow Nopal Cactus From Seed?
you’re able to hold nopal cactus seed from a greenhouse or come supplier , or harvest your own from a right Opuntia lindheimeri fruit . Species in the nopal genus produce rosy - colored fruits , call prickly pear or tuna fruit . Scoop the frame , include the seeds , into a sieve and mash it up . Once the pulp is undo from the seeds , wash away the pulp and circulate the seeds on a paper towel to dry out . flora nopal seminal fluid in spring . Use a infertile seed part commixture when growing nopal cactus from seeds . A intermixture of half perlite and half peat moss works well or you’re able to mix the perlite with unsex compost . When implant Opuntia lindheimeri and other cactus come , arrange the germ on the surface of the seed - starting mix and then sprinkle the top with clear sand . The water will ooze up through the drainage holes in the bottom of the flat . When the top of the dirt feels moist , remove the tray from the piddle . Temperature plays an important role in seeded player sprouting . The nopal seedling take about 10 solar day to germinate at optimal condition but can take longer .
