Plant Care Opuntia macrorhiza

Opuntia macrorhiza

Also known as

Opuntia macrorhiza, plains prickly pear, twistspine pricklypear and Western pricklypear

Taxonomy

Opuntia tortispina
Opuntia
Cactaceae
Caryophyllales

How to care for Opuntia macrorhiza

šŸ’¦ Water

How often to water your Opuntia macrorhiza

Water needs for Opuntia macrorhiza
0.5 cups
every 12

Opuntia macrorhiza needs 0.5 cups of water every 12 when it doesnā€™t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
12

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
ā˜€ļø Light

Finding light for Opuntia macrorhiza in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Opuntia macrorhiza: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

Opuntia macrorhiza love being close to bright, sunny windows šŸ˜Ž.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Opuntia macrorhiza does not tolerate low-light šŸš«.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Opuntia macrorhiza in your home šŸ”.

šŸŖ“ Nutrients

How to fertilize Opuntia macrorhiza

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Opuntia macrorhiza: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil itā€™s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Opuntia macrorhiza after it doubles in size or once a yearā€”whichever comes first.

Browse #OpuntiaMacrorhiza
šŸ’” FAQs
šŸ’¦ Water Needs

Opuntia macrorhiza thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.


ā˜€ļø Sunlight Needs

Opuntia macrorhiza requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive šŸ’Ŗ. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home šŸ”.


šŸ¶ šŸˆ šŸ‘¶ Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plantā€™s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, itā€™s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA atĀ US (888) 426-4435.


šŸ’Ø Humidity

Opuntia macrorhiza prefers dry environments. Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.


šŸŖ“ Soil

Opuntia macrorhiza is very sensitive to wet soil, so choose a potting soil that drains very well and doesnā€™t retain too much moisture. A good soil will have lots of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. A few handfuls of perlite added to regular store-bought cactus soil will do the trick!


šŸ’© Fertilizer

Opuntia macrorhiza grows very slowly and doesnā€™t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plantā€™s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!


ā„ļø Dormancy

Itā€™s common for Opuntia macrorhiza to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.


šŸŒŽ Native Region

Opuntia macrorhiza is native to the Americas.


šŸ§ Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for Opuntia macrorhiza

Opuntia macrorhiza


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 12 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4ā€ pot your plant is in, and that it doesnā€™t get direct sunlight.

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