Origin
Opuntia ×occidentalis Engelm. & Bigelow (pro sp.) is a species of prickly pear cactus. It is native to the southwestern United States, including California, Arizona, and New Mexico, as well as Mexico.
Common Names
This species of cactus has a few common names which include western prickly pear, cowboy prickly pear, and Occident cactus.
Uses
The pads of the Opuntia ×occidentalis are edible and are often used in Mexican cuisine. They can be cooked or grilled and are used in tacos, salads, and other dishes. The fruit of the cactus is also edible and is often used to make jelly or syrup.
Aside from being a source of food, this cactus also has medicinal properties. The pads and juice of the plant have been used to alleviate inflammation, heal wounds, and reduce fever.
General Appearance
Opuntia ×occidentalis is a shrubby, spineless cactus that can grow up to 2 meters tall. It has flat, oval-shaped pads that are green to blue-green in color and covered in small, soft spines.
The flowers of the cactus are large and are often a bright yellow to orange color. These flowers bloom in the late spring or early summer and are followed by the fruit of the cactus, which is a fleshy, oblong berry that is red to purple in color.
This cactus is able to grow in a range of soil types and can tolerate both drought and cold temperatures, making it a hardy and adaptable plant.
Light Requirements
The plant Opuntia ×occidentalis Engelm. & Bigelow requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can withstand intense heat and direct sunlight without experiencing any adverse effects. Therefore, it is ideal for growing in areas with ample sunlight and high temperatures.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can thrive in a wide range of temperature conditions. However, it prefers warm and dry climates. The optimal temperature range for Opuntia ×occidentalis Engelm. & Bigelow growth is between 50°F and 95°F (10°C and 35°C). It can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°F (-23°C) and as high as 120°F (49°C) for short periods.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-draining soil with good aeration. Soil texture varies from sandy to loamy, with a pH level between 6.0 and 8.5. However, the plant cannot survive in wet soil for prolonged periods. Thus, it is essential to ensure that the soil has adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging. Additionally, adding organic matter to the soil can improve its water retention capability and reduce nutrient deficiencies.
Cultivation Methods
Opuntia ×occidentalis Engelm. & Bigelow (pro sp.), commonly known as Western pricklypear, is a sturdy plant that is easy to grow. It can be grown in full sun to part shade and is tolerant of a variety of soil types, including sandy or rocky soil. The plant does well in dry conditions and can survive long periods without water.
When planting, make sure to use well-draining soil to avoid waterlogging. The plant also requires good air circulation, so make sure to place it in a spot with good airflow.
Watering Needs
Western pricklypear is a drought-resistant plant that can survive long periods without water. However, if grown in a container or during a particularly dry season, it may need to be watered more frequently.
When the plant is young, water it more often, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Once established, it can survive with only occasional watering during long dry spells.
Fertilization
Opuntia ×occidentalis does not require regular fertilization. However, you can give it a boost by applying a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer once a year. Do this in spring, just before the growing season starts.
Be careful not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can cause excessive growth and weakened stems.
Pruning
Western pricklypear requires minimal pruning, but it can benefit from occasional trimming. Prune the plant only to remove damaged or diseased stems or to control its size and shape.
Wear thick gloves and use a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears to make a clean cut, leaving a stub of about an inch. The plant will heal naturally and produce new growth from the cut point.
Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before the plant begins to actively grow.
Propagation of Opuntia ×occidentalis Engelm. & Bigelow
Opuntia ×occidentalis Engelm. & Bigelow can be propagated using various methods including seeds, stem cuttings, and pads.
Propagation by Seeds
Opuntia ×occidentalis Engelm. & Bigelow can be grown from seeds, which are readily available online or can be collected from fruits. To improve germination rates, it is advisable to stratify the seeds in a moist medium at low temperatures for a few weeks before planting. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil with moderate moisture. Germination usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Stem cuttings of Opuntia ×occidentalis Engelm. & Bigelow can produce roots and grow into new plants. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the growing season. The cuttings need to callus over for a few days before planting. The cuttings are then planted in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one node is buried in the soil. Cuttings should be kept slightly humid until new growth appears, typically within a few weeks.
Propagation by Pads
Opuntia ×occidentalis Engelm. & Bigelow pads can be used for propagation. Select a healthy pad and let it callus over for a few days. The pad is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, with one end placed just below the soil surface. The pad should be watered sparingly until new growth appears.
Disease Management
The plant Opuntia ×occidentalis Engelm. & Bigelow is known to be vulnerable to various types of diseases. Here are some of the common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
- Bacterial Soft Rot: This disease can affect the stems and pads of the plant, causing them to become waterlogged and mushy. To manage this disease, prune away any affected plant parts and try not to over-water the plant.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause dark lesions to appear on the pads of the plant. To manage anthracnose, remove any infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering.
- Cactus Wilt: This disease can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. Unfortunately, there is no cure for cactus wilt, so the best way to manage it is to remove and dispose of infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Opuntia ×occidentalis Engelm. & Bigelow is also vulnerable to various types of pests. Here are some of the common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
- Cactus Bug: This pest can cause damage to the plant by feeding on its sap. To manage cactus bugs, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them.
- Cochineal Scale: This pest can cause white, cottony masses to form on the pads of the plant. To manage cochineal scale, remove any infected plant parts and spray the plant with horticultural oil to suffocate the pests.
- Cactus Weevil: This pest can cause damage to the plant by burrowing into its stems and causing them to rot. To manage cactus weevils, remove any infected plant parts and apply insecticide to the soil to kill the larvae.
