|
on Monday, August 04, 2003 at 00:37:36, LS Hoover wrote: I recently purchased a prickly pear cactus in a 2 gallon pot from a greenhouse in CO. It had only 4 pads and 2 (quartersized pads) coming. Since returning to South Dakota 3 weeks ago the quarter sized pads are now 6 inches across! I can now see that this plant is going to be taking over.
If you purchased the plant in Colorado at a nursery it always helps to know what plant you have. I am assuming it may be a plant meant for outdoor use rather than used for indoor cultivation. If there is no name on the plant you may have a problem in identification. The best way to proceed at this point would be to get a sharp knife and cut a mature stem (pad) or two from the plant. Make sure these cuttings are of well established sections and not immature. Let these sections sit in a shaded area for a few days to form a callous. Then you should prepare a pot with soil and pot the stems in an attempt to start new plants. Take the main plant and plant it in an outdoor area where it can get adequate light. If you plant it near the house, wall or another structure it will usually improve the survivability. If your plant is a cold hardy cactus that was meant for outdoor planting you now can test this and still have remaining plants that you can move indoors during the winter months. Indoor cacti need very bright light and low amounts of water especially during the winter months. After planting your plant outdoors it is best to ignore it for a while until you see that it is establishing and starting to grow or looks as if it is doing well. This is the best way to begin. I wish I could help further but you might also take your plant to a local nursery or garden where a professional can give you there opinion or suggestions. If it is a hardy species they may have some easy answers that may help with the situation. Thanks and sorry I couldn't help further, Vonn |
Replies: