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Help!! Opuntia pad...

Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 1:32 pm
by CactusBea
So I want to grow on a opuntia velutina pad for a food source to my tortoise (see my other thread for pics). It's end seems to be 'scarred' over, or just basically no fresh flesh is showing at the break off point.
I have a pot ready to put it into, but just wandered, do you just put it in there and roots will form, or do you have to soak it in water or what?
As you can tell, I really don't have a clue so any help is appreciated. Thanks

Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 1:50 pm
by Andy_CT
Just put it in and roots will form :D Most people bury the bottom 1/3 of the pad into the soil.

Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 2:48 pm
by CactusBea
Thanks, have done.
Also, its an opuntia velutina, does anyone know the growth rate of it, or when more pads might start growing off it?

:)

Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2009 12:27 am
by ihc6480
I'd would say by the time the pad takes root and gets established you will see some signs of grow possibly fairly soon afterwards. :wink:

Re: Help!! Opuntia pad...

Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2009 1:30 am
by GardenBed
CactusBea wrote:So I want to grow on a opuntia velutina pad for a food source to my tortoise (see my other thread for pics). It's end seems to be 'scarred' over, or just basically no fresh flesh is showing at the break off point.
I have a pot ready to put it into, but just wandered, do you just put it in there and roots will form, or do you have to soak it in water or what?
As you can tell, I really don't have a clue so any help is appreciated. Thanks
Ops. are VERY hardy, and after you start, it's hard to get rid of them :lol:

You should just stick it in the soil, and then roots will form.

Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2009 4:37 am
by mjazz
I don't know if your tortoise requires just that particular prickly pear or any kind would do, but the Eastern Prickly Pear, O.Humifusa, would grow outside in your climate. It can take the rain and cold. 8)