Care of the cactus Opuntia engelmannii or Cactus Apple |
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The genus Opuntia, family Cactaceae, includes some 300 species of cacti native Mexico, the USA and Central and South America. Some species are: Opuntia engelmannii, Opuntia bergeriana, Opuntia santa-rita, Opuntia rufida, Opuntia robusta, Opuntia microdasys, Opuntia linguiformis, Opuntia leucotricha, Opuntia ficus-indica, Opuntia durangensis, Opuntia subulata, Opuntia polyacantha, Opuntia lindheimeri, Opuntia atrispina, Opuntia phaeacantha, Opuntia auberi, Opuntia valida, Opuntia macrocentra, Opuntia chlorotica, Opuntia vestita, Opuntia spinulifera. Common names: Cactus Apple, Texas prickly pea, Engelmann's prickly pear, Desert Prickly Pear, Cow Tongue Prickly Pear. Scientific synonyms: Opuntia procumbens, Opuntia tricolor. This species is native to Mexico and the United States. They are fast growing, creeping cacti with grayish-green rounded segments that reach 25 cm (9.84") in diameter. They have 1-10 spines of 7 cm (2.75") in length of whitish color. The flowers are deep yellow. They produce thorny red fruits. These plants are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens in rockery, on dry slopes and as isolated specimens. Opuntia engelmannii prefers full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. Do not expose them to less than 3 ºC (37.4 ºF) in winter. They can grow in any well-drained sandy or rocky soil. Use a normal garden substrate with 30% coarse siliceous sand. They will be watered moderately waiting for the substrate to have completely dried. They have high resistance to drought. They do not need fertilizers. Prune dried segments in mid-spring or to make cuttings. They are attacked by fungi and mealybugs if there is excess moisture. They are propagated by rooting segments or by seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the cactus Opuntia engelmannii or Cactus Apple |
 Opuntia engelmannii  Opuntia engelmannii  Opuntia engelmannii  Opuntia engelmannii |