Even temperatures of 20 ° C do not affect this cactus from the southern USA much. This makes it one of the most frost-tolerant cacti that you can find. There are quite a few variants of this robust cactus. Some only reach a height of about one meter, while others grow up to four meters tall.
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The rather shrubby growing Opuntia engelmannii rarely has a clearly visible trunk. For this, this opuntia is one of the useful plants, because the juicy fruits are usually edible. In addition, the red juice of the fruit can be used for coloring or as an ink.
How do I care for the Opuntia engelmannii?
During the Prickly pear needs winter quarters, since it can only tolerate temperatures just below freezing for a short time, the Opuntia engelmannii can do very well without such special treatment. However, it is a bit sensitive to moisture in winter. So give the plant some rain protection.
Like all Opuntia, the Opuntia engelmannii is right easy-care. In order to get over the winter safely, however, the plant should be well nourished. Fertilize You should therefore keep your Opuntia engelmannii regularly from April to July. Use a mineral one for this Complete fertilizer or add liquid fertilizer to the irrigation water.
If your cactus is in the garden or on the balcony, water it when it is dry, otherwise the natural rainfall should be sufficient. In winter, water the Opuntia engelmannii only on frost-free days and only in very small quantities.
The essentials in brief:
- at home in the southern United States and Mexico
- mostly at an altitude of 150 to 1800 m
- edible fruits
- bush-like growth
- up to about 3.5 m high
- rarely has a trunk
- frost hardy to below - 20 ° C
- is sensitive to moisture in winter
Tips
If you are looking for a frost-hardy cactus that also bears edible fruit, then the Opuntia engelmannii should be your first choice.