OPUNTIA LEUCOTRICHA

ORIGIN AND CHARACTERISTICS

Opuntia Leucotricha or also commonly known by the names of "Duraznillo Blanco", "Duraznillo Rojo" or "Nopal Duraznillo", is an endemic species of Mexico, more specifically the state of Durango and belongs to the Cactaceae family.

This Opuntia is known for being a branched cactus, with a shrubby habit and can reach 5 meters in height. Its shape is very characteristic as it is made up of green oval segments bearing spines in each segment. In addition, these segments are covered with fluff or short hairs giving a velvety appearance.

Leucotricha flowers in summer are large, very open and with colors that vary between yellow, orange, red and even purple, giving edible fruits known as Duraznillo, the name by which this plant has been commonly baptized. 

DECORATION OF ... EXTERIOR OR INTERIOR?

We can incorporate them into both environments, outdoors it is usually used for decoration of gardens as solitary specimens or gathering several in a rockery for greater decoration. We can also incorporate them into the interior of our home since its particular shape will give it a decorative touch, we just have to make sure that it is in a sunny area with a pot that drains the water correctly.

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 6ºC.

- 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.