Magnetic Opuntia
cholla cactus
Opuntia tunicata (Lehman) Link & Otto:
The original home of cholla cactus:
Central Mexico. Plateau–Chile.
Botanical description cholla cactus.
cholla cactus is one of the thorny plants. It is a cylindrical plant with an upright shape and a height of 50 cm. The branches are also cylindrical, the length of which ranges between 12-15 cm, and sometimes horizontal. On the branches grow bumps that are completely covered with tufts of hair and very dangerous thorns, which turn yellow with the increase of the age of the plant. These dangerous and frightening thorns are covered with a sheath that separates away from them and grabs anything that touches. This is why it is called the magnetic cactus. As for the flowers, they are yellow in color and beautiful in shape, and the fruits of the magnetic cactus. It is also very thorny and causes skin infections when touched.
propagation of cholla cactus
(cholla cactus) reproduces by planting cuttings that are taken from the twigs and planted in clean sandy soil free of salts.
cholla cactus water.
It is taken into account to reduce irrigation in the winter so that the soil remains somewhat moist. As for irrigation during the summer, the plant should not be exposed to thirst at all. It is important that the irrigation process depends on the nature of the soil and the environmental conditions of the area in which the cactus is located.
Cholla cactus fertilization.
The cholla cactus is fertilized with well-degraded organic fertilizer free of fungal diseases and insect pests in December or January. Fertilization is also done with granulated fertilizer or neutral liquid NPK Nitro-Phosphorus-Potassium 12-12-12 at a rate of 200 g in two batches, provided that the batch is The first in March and the second batch in August.
Benefits of cholla cactus.
1- Due to the severity and danger of its thorns, it is planted as a protective fence around desert farms. 2- Magnetic cactus is grown in rock gardens as ornamental plants. 3- It is not recommended to grow it in home gardens due to the danger of its thorns.