Opuntia humifusa winter garlic

Water:

April-September: 1 x every 2 weeks*

October-March: 1x per month *

*This is only for a sunny location

Light: sunny

Nutrition: 1x per month (May-September)

NOTE: The plants are now entering winter dormancy. They will droop as shown in the photos. This is because the roots are becoming inactive and are no longer absorbing water. This reduces the moisture content of the leaves, allowing the plant to withstand cold temperatures. Therefore, you can still plant it in the garden or place it outside. If you keep it indoors in a warm place, you can water the plant once a month. The leaves will then fill out again, and the plant will gradually become upright.

The Opuntia Humifusa is a beautiful green leaf cactus. In the wild, the Opuntia Humifusa is found in North America and southern Canada, where it grows in open grasslands and sandy fields. In our region, the Opuntia Humifusa blooms in June and July. Beautiful, intense yellow flowers emerge from the tops of the leaves. These flowers can grow up to 7 cm in diameter and are pollinated by insects. When the Opuntia Humifusa flowers are pollinated, they develop 4 cm large, reddish-purple fruits that are edible. In the wild, these fruits are eaten by small rodents. These rodents then excrete the seeds, thus ensuring the Opuntia Humifusa's survival.

Among the Opuntia cacti, the Opuntia Humifusa is a real BADASS. This time, not for its appearance or exceptional spines, but for the winter temperatures it can withstand. In the wild, the Opuntia Humifusa can withstand temperatures of -25°C (-17°F). Populations of the Opuntia Humifusa have even been found in Canada that can withstand temperatures of -45°C (-45°F).

The Opuntia Humifusa is used by locals in a variety of dishes. The fruits are sweet and fleshy and are eaten raw, cooked, or dried when ripe. Unripe fruits are used in soups to thicken them. The leaves of this cactus are used in salads, or can be eaten boiled or roasted. If you'd like to try this, be sure to peel the skin off the leaves to ensure there are no small spines in the salad.

Besides its edible properties, the indigenous population uses the Opuntia Humifusa for medicinal purposes. Peeled leaves are used to make an ointment that can be applied to wounds and ulcers. This ointment is restorative for the skin and antibacterial. It was also applied to joints for rheumatism. The leaves of the Opuntia Humifusa are also used in a tea, which is said to help with lung conditions. The Opuntia Humifusa is a very popular cactus among the local population.

The Opuntia Humifusa is an easy-to-grow cactus that's perfectly suited for outdoor use in our climate. When planted in well-drained soil, this cactus can stay outdoors year-round. In winter, the leaves droop and lie flat on the ground in cold temperatures. When spring arrives, you'll see this cactus come back to life.

Plant passport A: Opuntia B: BE-2.100.787.495 C: 001758 D: BE-2

A: Opuntia B: BE-2.100.787.495 C: 2025-2026 D: BE