I have two opuntia that currently grow in my mini-greenhouse (O. macrocentra and C. imbricata), but they're starting to outgrow the shelf space available (as they do ). Since I know those two are tough as old boots, I'm planning to move them out of the greenhouse on a permanent basis, but I'd like to make sure that I'm doing it right!
They'll be against a south-facing wall, plenty of sunlight etc, as they are currently. Will my regular substrate be good enough though, given how much rain the UK tends to see, or will I have to work on something specifically for them? Would they need notably larger pots, to help prevent 'drowning', or do normal rules apply? Are there any pointers I should particularly be careful of?
I know I'd probably be better off planting them in a proper bed, but by this time next year I'll hopefully be in a new house, so I'd rather avoid having to dig them back up if I can!
Opuntia in outdoor pots
Opuntia in outdoor pots
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Carpe cerevisiam, carpe dementum, carpe solum!
Carpe cerevisiam, carpe dementum, carpe solum!
- Ralf
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Your both Opuntia are absolutely winter hardy. They'll better grow the whole year outdoor. You can grow them in large pots or planted in a flowerbed.
The substrate therefor should be very porous and permeable for water. Maybe a rain shelter for the wintertime. That's all.
winter hardy cacti
Cylindropuntia imbricata
The substrate therefor should be very porous and permeable for water. Maybe a rain shelter for the wintertime. That's all.
winter hardy cacti
Cylindropuntia imbricata
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