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 of Canada. Here this leaf cactus grows on open grass and sandy fields. The Opuntia Humifusa blooms with us in the months of June and July. 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 are produced that are edible. In nature, these fruits are eaten by small rodents. These then poop out the seeds again and this is how 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, populations of Opuntia Humifusa have been found 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 boiled or roasted. If you would like to try this out, peel the skin off the leaves so that you are sure that there are no small spines in the salad.

In addition to 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 disorders. The Opuntia Humifusa is a very popular cactus among the locals.

The Opuntia Humifusa is an easy cactus that is very suitable for outdoors in our climate. If this cactus is in well-drained soil, it can be left outside in the garden all year round. In winter, the leaves droop and lie on the ground in cold temperatures. When spring comes, you will see this cactus come to life again.