Opuntia Humifusa leaf cactus

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)

The Opuntia Humifusa is a beautiful green colored leaf cactus. In nature, the Opuntia Humifusa can be found in North America and in southern areas in Canada. Here this leaf cactus grows on open grass and sand fields. In the months of June and July, the Opuntia Humifusa blooms in our country. Beautiful intense yellow flowers emerge from the top of the leaves. The flowers can grow up to 7 cm in diameter and are pollinated by insects. When the flowers of the Opuntia Humifusa are pollinated, 4 cm large red-purple fruits develop that are edible. In nature, these fruits are eaten by small rodents. They then poop out the seeds and in this way the Opuntia Humifusa ensures its survival.

Among the Opuntia cacti, the Opuntia Humifusa is a real BADASS. This time not because of its appearance or exceptional spine package, but because of the winter temperatures that this cactus can withstand. In the wild, the Opuntia Humifusa has to endure temperatures of -25° C. In Canada, there are even populations of the Opuntia Humifusa that can withstand temperatures of -45° C.

The Opuntia Humifusa is used by the locals for various dishes. The fruits taste sweet and fleshy and are eaten raw, cooked or dried when ripe. Unripe fruits are used in soups to thicken the soup. The leaves of this cactus are used in salads, or can be eaten cooked or roasted. If you want to try this, peel the skin off the leaves to make sure there are no small thorns in the salad.

In addition to 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. In addition, this ointment was also applied to joints for rheumatism. The leaves of the Opuntia Humifusa are also used in tea. This tea 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 cactus that is very suitable for outside in our climate. When this cactus is in a well-drained soil it can be outside in the garden all year round. In the winter the leaves hang down and lie on the ground at cold temperatures. When spring comes you will see this cactus come back to life.

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