Opuntia Santa Rita cactus Features
Morphology: The palmate nodes are flat, usually rounded, ovate or obovate, and can reach a diameter of 20 cm. Under stress, these nodes will take on a lavender to reddish purple color.
Thorns: This cactus has few thorns. New nodes are usually thornless or have only a few thorns on the marginal areoles.
The thorns are straight or slightly curved, ranging in color from light yellow to horn brown, and may become reddish brown with age. They can be up to 4 cm long.
Flower color: Opuntia santa-rita blooms yellow flowers in spring to early summer, up to 9 cm in diameter.
Fruit: The fruit is thornless, purple, green inside, contains tan seeds, is oval, and can be up to 4.5 cm long.
Opuntia Santa Rita cactus Size：
- Opuntia santa-rita is an upright, clumping succulent shrub that can reach a height of 2 meters.
Opuntia Santa Rita cactus Special Care or Planting instructions
- Light
Opuntia santa-rita requires full sun, but in hot climates, some midday and afternoon shade will prevent sunburn. When grown indoors, it needs at least 6 hours of sun per day.
- Soil
This cactus requires a well-drained soil mix, and you can use a commercial cactus potting soil or a homemade mix.
- Temperature
Opuntia santa-rita is very heat tolerant and prefers cooler temperatures in the winter. It grows best in USDA plant hardiness zones 8a through 10b, with average winter minimum temperatures ranging from 10°F to 40°F (about -12.2 to 4.4°C).
- Watering
From spring to fall, water moderately and allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. In most areas, rainfall is usually sufficient for mature plants. If potted, never let the container sit in water. Suspend watering in winter.
- Fertilization
During the growing season, fertilizer can be added at appropriate times to promote healthy growth.
- Propagation
It can be propagated by stem cuttings. Select healthy stem segments and air-dry them for a few days before forming callus tissue on the cuts.
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