You ’ve get wind of cacti , but have you met the one that face like a little tree ? Meet Opuntia leucotricha , a coolheaded cactus aboriginal to Mexico that ’s sure to storm you .
Rather than the distinctive cactus shape , this one has a visible automobile trunk at the base that ramify out into flattened , burry halt . And get this – those root word are deck with wispy white tomentum , giving it an almost fuzzy coming into court . Just when you recollect it ca n’t get any more unique , bright yellow flowers bloom from the tip . spill about a showstopper !
Whether you call it the semaphore cactus , Aaron ’s beard cactus , or arborescent prickly pear , Opuntia leucotricha is a delightfully kinky addition to any cactus collecting . permit ’s dive into what makes this Mexican marvel so special and how you’re able to keep it palmy .
Contents
About Opuntia leucotricha
This extraordinary cactus , also live as the semaphore cactus , Aaron ’s beard cactus , or arborescent prickly pear , hail from various states in Mexico . What sets it apart is its tree - like appearance , with a seeable trunk at the base that furcate into flattened stems ornament with spines and wispy blank hairs . As if that were n’t enough to pique your interest , the tips of these stems erupt into vibrant xanthous blooms , making this cactus a true show-stopper .
Related Post:195 Opuntia Varieties [ With Pictures ]
How to Care for Opuntia leucotricha
Light
While Opuntia leucotricha have intercourse basking in the sunshine ’s rays , it ’s significant to strike a Libra the Balance . During the summer calendar month , provide some shade to prevent damage from utmost heat . Consider placingyour cactusin an display garden or on a sunny balcony , where it can hit it up up sizable sun throughout the mean solar day . If you ’re growing it indoors , agrow lightcan mimic the sun ’s passion and help your cactus thrive .
Watering
Just like its desert - home full cousin , Opuntia leucotricha is a pro at conserving water . Do n’t worry about water it frequently – in fact , overwatering is more likely to harm your cactus than underwatering . During the leap , summer , and descent , water it once or twice a week , assure the territory remains more or less moist . In the wintertime , reduce watering to once a calendar week to prevent the grime from dry out completely . Rainwater or distill H2O is choose to forfend mineral buildup from tap body of water .
Soil
To keep your Opuntia leucotricha well-chosen , mime its natural environs by choosing a well - draining , flaxen grease mix . A blending of 20 % coco coir or peat moss , 60 % vermiculite , and 20 % sandlike soil is ideal . Vermiculite ensures proper air circulation , which is crucial to keep root putrefaction . Do n’t forget to loosen the dirt and repot each year to wield that airy grain .
Fertilizer
During the arise time of year ( springiness , summer , and fall ) , treat your cactus to a monthly dot of liquid fertilizer . In the winter , hold off on the plant food . If you ’re repot in spring or declivity , you may incorporate aslow - acquittance fertilizerinto the soil premix for a winter boost . Phosphate - potassium fertilizers are perfect for pre- and post - bloom period , while nitrogen fertilizers are best for seedlings .
Temperature and Humidity
Opuntia leucotricha prosper in desert - like conditions , so aim for temperatures between 68 ° F and 95 ° F ( 20 ° C and 35 ° C ) . Anything below 50 ° F ( 10 ° C ) or above 95 ° F ( 35 ° C ) can slack growth and trip quiescency . Keep the air well - ventilated and humidity low to foreclose water collection .
Pests and Problems
While Opuntia leucotricha is a hardy cactus , it ’s not resistant topests and diseases . Keep an eye out for anthracnose ( black back breaker in a spiraling pattern ) , stem rot , ancestor - mile nematode worm , spider mites , aphids , mealybug , soft rot , virus , gnawer , and dry rot . Prompt action and right care can help prevent these issues from step up .
Pruning
One of the reward of Opuntia leucotricha is its low-spirited - maintenancepruning needs . just remove any dead or withered branches and bloom to keep optimum wellness .
Potting and Repotting
When potting or repotting , choose a clay pot that ’s not too humble or too large to avoid root restrictions or H2O accumulation . Repot once a year , cautiously removing the quondam filth and transplant the plant to a reinvigorated container with new potting soil . The ideal temperature for potting or repotting are between 59 ° F and 68 ° F ( 15 ° C and 20 ° C ) , typically in spring or fall .
Opuntia leucotricha Propagation Methods
quick to multiply your Opuntia leucotricha collection ? This cactuscan be easily propagatedthrough cutting , graft , or seeding .
press cutting :
Grafting :
Seeding :
With a small care and the right techniques , you ’ll be able to disperse and share the joy of Opuntia leucotricha with fellow cactus fancier .
