Care of the cactus Opuntia chlorotica or Pancake prickly pear |
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The genus Opuntia, family Cactaceae, includes about 300 species of cacti native to Mexico, the USA, and Central and South America. Some species are: Opuntia chlorotica, Opuntia rufida, Opuntia robusta, Opuntia polyacantha, Opuntia microdasys, Opuntia linguiformis, Opuntia leucotricha, Opuntia engelmannii, Opuntia bergeriana, Opuntia santa-rita, Opuntia ficus-indica, Opuntia durangensis, Opuntia subulata, Opuntia atrispina, Opuntia phaeacantha, Opuntia auberi, Opuntia lindheimeri, Opuntia vestita, Opuntia spinulifera, Opuntia valida, Opuntia macrocentra. Common names: Pancake prickly pear, Flapjack Pricklypear, Pancake cactus, Dollarjoint Prickly Pear, Clockface prickly-pear. This species is native to northwestern Mexico and the southwestern USA. They are busy carrier cactus and thorny stem that reach 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) high. The rounded segments (cladodios) are bluish green or pale green. In the Gloquidia there are long yellowish or white spines. Yellow flowers with red tones measure up to 6 cm (2.36") in diameter. It produces spherical fleshy fruits. They are used in rocky, dry slopes, such as isolated specimens and to create impenetrable screens. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. Chlorotic opuntia needs a full sun exposure and a dry climate. They resist light frost if the substrate remains dry. They grow in rocky, stony and sandy soils that have excellent drainage. Always water moderately waiting for the substrate to be completely dry. They resist drought very well. It is enough with a slight fertilization with mineral fertilizer for cactus in spring. Prune the dry segments in spring. They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess irrigation. They propagate from seeds planted in spring and through segment cuttings. |
Images of the cactus Opuntia chlorotica or Pancake prickly pear |
 Opuntia chlorotica  Opuntia chlorotica  Opuntia chlorotica  Opuntia chlorotica  Opuntia chlorotica |