The prickly pear cactus usually does not need much care, you have to water and fertilize it regularly. This is the only way for it to thrive and bear many fruits.
Prickly pear cactus doesn't need much water[/caption]As a typical desert plant, the prickly pear cactus needs little water and rarely fertilizer. However, you should not leave it completely to its own devices, but regularly check the condition of the earth. Only with carefully dosed watering and fertilizing does the prickly pear stay he althy, grow well and develop many beautiful flowers and fruits. You also prevent diseases and pests from spreading to the plant.
Prickly pear cactus needs this much water
It is best to use rainwater or stagnant, soft or filtered tap water for watering. The water should not be too cold.
Water requirement in summer:
If the plant is outside, it needs little water during the summer months. When the humidity is high, i.e. in rainy summers, you can almost completely do without watering. However, make sure that the prickly pear cactus is protected from too much rain. If left outdoors, heavy, long-lasting downpours can damage the plant. It also helps to check the plant substrate regularly. You only need to water moderately when the top layer has dried out. Waterlogging must not develop, which is why drainage in the lower area of the planter makes sense.
Water requirement in winter:
Before the winter dormancy, you have to water the prickly pear cactus abundantly again. Again, make sure that no waterlogging forms. During the winter months, the plant hardly needs water. Only when the top layer of soil is really dry should you add a little more water.
Caution:
If you water the plant too much in winter, it will start to grow atypically. However, there will be no flowering next summer.
Water requirement after planting/repotting/propagating:
As a desert plant, the prickly pear is used to little water. However, there is one exception: If you plant, propagate or repot the prickly pear cactus, it must be watered vigorously. After that shoulddry the soil down to the root ball.
Water requirements for indoor cacti:
Prickly pear cacti that stand on the windowsill in the room also need little water. Sunlight on the window can cause the plant to dry out faster than outdoors. But with a regular look at the earth, you'll know when it's time for a little water.
How to properly fertilize the prickly pear cactus
The prickly pear is a frugal plant that gets by with few nutrients. A special cactus fertilizer is best suited for he althy growth and lush flowers. This should be low in nitrogen and high in potassium. But you can also use an inorganic fertilizer. This is always necessary when the plant looks "masty", i.e. has too thick, fleshy leaves. The prickly pear is then easily susceptible to diseases. To prevent this from happening in the first place, the inorganic fertilizer helps increase the s alt concentration in the soil, allowing the plant to recover.
Fertilize about every two to four weeks during the summer months from May to August.
Summary:
- Water generously after planting and repotting
- let top layer of soil dry out
- Water little during the summer months
- Water little or not at all in winter
- Use cactus fertilizer every two to four weeks in summer