Opuntia chlorotica aka Clockface Prickly Pear

Taxonomy

Common names

Clockface Prickly Pear, Dollar Joint Prickly Pear, Pancake Prickly Pear, Flapjack Prickly Pear, Dollarjoint Prickly Pear

How to care for Clockface Prickly Pear

Water

Clockface Prickly Pear does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

When growing the Clockface Prickly Pear, it's important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and does not retain excessive moisture. An optimal soil mix should contain a high proportion of perlite or vermiculite for good drainage and some organic matter for nourishment. Simply add a few scoops of perlite to regular cactus soil to achieve this.

Lighting

Clockface Prickly Pear thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Dollar Joint Prickly Pear.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Clockface Prickly Pear to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

Clockface Prickly Pear plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.

Fertilizer

The Clockface Prickly Pear grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

Clockface Prickly Pear grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Clockface Prickly Pear’s native range is the Americas.


More info:
Wikipedia