OPUNTIA TITANIA

ORIGIN AND CHARACTERISTICS

The Opuntia Titania, also known by the common name of "Nopal without thorns", is endemic to America, both north and south, found mostly in Mexico.

It is a cactus that is characterized by not having thorns, having an expansion with light green pads. These pads are narrow having a paddle shape. Its growth is medium and it is very easy to care for. It is very resistant, supporting up to 10 degrees below zero. Being a distinct, attractive and durable cactus. It loves exposure to the sun, and the soil where we plant it has to be well drained, preferably sandy.

DECORATION OF ... EXTERIOR OR INTERIOR?

We can have it both inside and outside. It is a very decorative cactus that can bring variety to our home or garden. We can have it both in pot and in the ground but it has to be in a bright area, with the soil always well drained.

Outdoors, we can plant it alone as a set, it only requires monthly watering in warmer seasons and keeping it dry in winters.

CARE FOR CACTUS AND SUCCULENTS

They are showy plants, very pretty and that practically do not need much maintenance.

- They prefer places with direct light or that have good lighting, preferably next to a window, on a balcony, a terrace or in your Garden.

- They can withstand low temperatures, around -10ºC.

- It is essential that they have good drainage, both in the soil and in a pot.

- The ideal substrate for cacti has to be combined with sand and gravel, so that they have good drainage, humidity and excess water are not good.

- Irrigation does not have to be excessive. From spring to autumn, which would be its growth period, water every 15 days, abundant watering and wait until the soil is very dry again. In winter do not water or give one watering per month.

- Fertilizer. During the growing season (spring - autumn) you can fertilize them with worm humus. Eggshells are a good homemade fertilizer, they contain (Calcium, Iron, Potassium, magnesium and Phosphorus) these nutrients are very important and favor their growth, you must crush and mix them with the substrate, administer them a couple of times a year.

- Treatment against fungi due to excess humidity, disinfect the area with a copper-based fungicide.

- If you want to transplant them from the pot or the ground, the best time would be from spring.

And don't forget that to work with cacti you have to wear good gloves.