With a fun cognomen like “ Road Kill Cactus ” , you just know this plant has to be one hard customer ! But do n’t allow the name fool you – Opuntia rubescens earned its quirky moniker from its flatten out , road - kill show rather than in reality being able to pull through being run over .
Its plump , rounded pads grow outward in a splayed pattern , look just like they ’ve been flattened on the pavement . But in reality , this adapted growth habit help the cactus withstand extreme heat and drouth . pair with its resilience and well-fixed - fear nature , Opuntia rubescens seduce one surprisingly durable plant ! Keep reading to instruct more about this unappreciated submarine sandwich .
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About Opuntia rubescens
Native to portion of the Caribbean , Opuntia rubescens break down by the scientific name Consolea rubescens as well . Its distinctive looks with wide , jolting pads radiating from a thick central root word now set it apart from typical cacti .
Despite its crushed appearance , each fleshy pad segment remains embonpoint and three - dimensional rather than being in truth flatten . This clever design allows the cactus to hold back more wet in its water - storing tissue . The lack of sharp spines is another touch trait .
In spring , small but vivacious orangish bloom appear among the stamp pad to signal the outset of the grow season . While the “ Road Kill Cactus ” may not be much to look at for most of the year , those cheerful blossom add together a welcome touch of colour .
Do n’t allow its humble appearing fool you – this gutless cactus is basically nature ’s indestructible force …
Related Post:195 Opuntia Varieties [ With Pictures ]
How to Care for Opuntia rubescens
Light Requirements
Like most cacti , the Road Kill Cactus craves as much sunshine as it can get . Plant it in an exposed spot like your patio or front yard garden bed to countenance it savour in direct sunlight all day long . During peak summer oestrus , you may necessitate to give it some afternoon tincture to prevent sun legal injury .
Ca n’t provide enough natural light ? No job ! Supplement with agrow lighter designed for cacti . Position the light 6 - 12 inches from the industrial plant and keep it on for 12 - 16 hours per day .
Watering Needs
True to its desert origins , Opuntia rubescens is extremely drought - tolerant and store piddle in its chubby inkpad . This cactus can address extend dry periods much well than overwatering .
For potted plant , allow the soil to altogether dry out between waterings . Then soak the ground good , but avoid letting the plant life posture in water system . During the cactus ’s grow time of year from bounce to fall , you ’ll need to irrigate every 1 - 2 week . edit out back to watering once a month over the winter dormancy period .
The samara is erring on the side of under - lachrymation rather than over - watering this resilient cactus . planetary house of overwatering let in mushy , discolored pad or waste setting in . With its noteworthy power to thrive on neglect , Opuntia rubescens will thank you for a hands - off watering approach .
Soil Preferences
When pot Opuntia rubescens , awell - debilitate cactus soil mixis important to prevent issues like ascendant rot . Look for a gritty , porous mix made primarily from ingredient like coarse sand , perlite , pumice stone or trounce granite . invalidate obtuse potting mixes meant for wet - loving plants .
you could also make your own cactus soil by mixing 1 part regular potting premix with 1 part common sand or perlite . This supply the fast - draining , aerated mass medium that mimics the cactus ’ natural desert home ground .
When grown at home or in non - wild conditions , the ideal grunge compounding is 20 % coco coir / peat moss , 60 % vy , vermicompost and eggshell pulverization can also be contain .
Fertilizing Needs
The Road Kill Cactus grows most actively in spring through downslope , which is when it will appreciate a little extra nutrition . fertilize every 4 - 6 weeks during this period using a balanced , weewee - solublefertilizer made for cacti .
In winter when growth slow down , hold off on eating until bounce . Too much fertilizer while the industrial plant is dormant can damage the theme .
Temperature and Humidity
Outdoor temperatures from 65 - 95 ° F are ideal for Opuntia rubescens . Below 50 ° F or above 95 ° F , the plant will struggle .
Indoors , situate this cactus away from heating plant vents in wintertime and zephyr conditioning vents in summer to avoid extreme temperature wavering . Low humidity around 30 - 40 % is perfect .
Pests and Problems
Opuntia rubescens lean to be quite resilient againstpestsand disease , thanks to its baffling , water - conserving structure . However , watch out for issues like :
Prune off any afflicted sections and adjust your watering practices . An episodic program program of neem vegetable oil can help verify pests .
Pruning
Since Opuntia rubescens is such a furrowed , free - form agriculturalist , pruning is rarely necessary . The only upkeep need is removing any pads that have cash in one’s chips back or withered browned prime .
To prune , practice clear pruning shear and cut off entire inking pad from the stick where they link to the main root . The snip section can be well propagated to start raw Road Kill Cactus plants !
Potting and Repotting
When potting Opuntia rubescens , prefer a container with ample drain holes and pack the soil thinly around the base . Terra cotta is an ideal breathable pot material .
Repot annuallyin early spring , graduate to pots just 1 - 2 column inch wider as the cactus acquire . deal the fleshy pad carefully when repotting to avoid damage .
Opuntia rubescens Propagation Methods
This resilient cactus is a walkover to propagate from seeds , leaves , or stem cutting . Its energy and allowance for baffling conditions make it an ideal plant for multiplying your collection .
From Seed :
From Leaf Cuttings :
From Stem Cuttings :
Whether set about from germ , leaf , or radical , provide your Opuntia rubescens propagations with first-class drain , plentiful sunlight , and occasional tripping watering as they get established . This lively cactus will reward you by quickly developing into a full , branching specimen !
