Nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica) is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. This plant loves the hot desert climate, thriving in poor soil and harsh growing conditions. Learn how to propagate, grow nopal and its care.
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Basic Facts About Nopal
Botanical name: Opuntia ficus-indica
Common names: Nopal, prickly pear, prickly pear, prickly pear, prickly pear, shovel fig, palera or pita.
Nopal is a common succulent in subtropical regions. It is grown as an ornamental plant and for its juicy fruits. Nopal is undemanding and easy to grow.
It measures between 1 and 2.5 m in height. The flowers are very showy, with colors ranging from white, yellow and orange, depending on the variety.
How to propagate Nopal
Nopales can be propagated from seeds or leaves. Growing nopal from a leaf is relatively easier than from seed.
Choose a leaf that looks firm and healthy, cut it just where it joins the plant.
Place the leaf in a warm, well-ventilated place, indoors or outdoors, for a week or two, or until the cut end of the leaf forms a firm callus.
The callus prevents bacterial rot from entering the leaf. Keep the blade out of direct sunlight.
Fill a pot with a mixture of 2 parts commercial soil for cacti and succulents and 1 part clean coarse sand. Be sure to use a pot with a drainage hole.
Plant the cactus leaf about an inch deep in the potting mix with the calloused end down.
If the leaves are small, you can plant several in the same pot. However, leave at least 1 inch between each.
Place the pot where the cactus leaves are exposed to bright, indirect light. Protect the cuttings from direct, hot light. The temperature should be between 15 and 25 degrees C.
Don’t water the leaves until you see new growth, which usually takes two to six weeks. Then water the potting mix sparingly, providing just enough moisture to keep the mix slightly moist.
Where to grow Nopal
Growing nopal in a sunny spot allows the plant to thrive and fruit. The nopal is a tropical or subtropical plant, so it likes warm exposures.
However, it can withstand temperatures down to -10°C, but in regions with harsh winters, it is best to plant it in a sheltered place, near a wall or a large tree to protect it from currents. cold air and temperature fluctuations.
If you live in a colder climate, growing prickly pear in a container is the best option, as it can only be grown in the ground when winter temperatures stay above minus 10°C.
Nopal can tolerate poor soil conditions. If it grows on the ground, it even tolerates heavy soil to some extent if it does not stay moist. However, it is best grown in well-drained, light, sandy and loamy soil. Avoid clay soils which drain poorly and promote water stagnation.
To grow prickly pears in a pot, use a succulent mix or any regular potting soil that does not retain moisture. Prepare the mixture using equal parts compost, soil and coarse sand or perlite.
Nopal Care
Irrigation
It should only be watered when the surface appears dry. On average, in spring and summer, water once or twice a week and in autumn and winter once or twice a month. If you live in the tropics, more frequent watering will be necessary.
Pass
Fertilize monthly with a 5-10-10 liquid fertilizer to promote flowering and fruiting. For the young plant, feed with a 10-10-10 fertilizer.
Instead of liquid feed, you can also opt for pelleted manure. Program it according to the product instructions. Do not feed in winter in colder regions, when the plant stops growing.
Cut
Pruning prickly pears is not necessary. It is done in the spring or at the end of the summer by removing the leaves that come into contact with each other or those that are damaged or malformed.
Hibernation
Winter care is essential. If you grow the nopal in a pot, protect it in winter by keeping it indoors. If you are growing it outdoors, mulch it to insulate the plant from the drop in temperature.
fruit rinse
Fruit thinning is done to get a better harvest. The remaining fruits and flowers must be eliminated to obtain a lower production but of better quality.
It is recommended that thinning be carried out two weeks before fruit formation, leaving approximately up to 10 fruits per stem.
Plagues and diseases
Scale insects and mites can attack it. Also keep an eye out for fruit flies and moths.
On the disease side, fear the rotting of roots and stems: excess water or cold cause rot.
Nopal is a succulent, so water it sparingly. As soon as you detect the softening of the tissues, remove the rotten part and treat the infected part with a fungicide.
To harvest
You’ll know it’s ready for harvest when the fruit sheds all of its spikes. Good news, because it will be easier to harvest it.
It may also be interesting to read: 8 common mistakes when propagating (multiplying) succulents
Another indication that the fruit is ripe is if the color changes from green to solid yellow or red. In addition, ripe fruits are firm when pressed. Do not apply too much pressure and wear protective gloves.
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