Cactus “Marathon Key”

Cactus - Opuntia type, name unknown

                                          ID#54

 
 

Additional Information: Obtained during a trip to Marathon Key, Florida

 

A tiny piece, small enough to fit in my pocket and travel home from our hotel pool in Marathon key Florida has grown to become a multi stem Opuntia type cactus of 4 ft plus in 3 years.


Cuttings root easily if kept dry for few days before planting. I now have 3 plants of intermediate size. (2012)



HEIGHT X SPREAD: 2-3 ft. x 5 ft. PLANT TYPE: Cactus /Evergreen GROWTH RATE: relatively fast TEXTURE: coarse LIGHT: Full sun WATER: Dry, well drain, more in summers, dry in winters. SOIL: cactus mix & 1/2 gravel-rock. Top heavy, needs heavy pot/gravel.
As observed in Coastal NC. BLOOMS: not yet observed. FRUIT AND SEED: propagate from cuttings. Dry cut section for few days before planting. KEY FEATURES: tall erect thick stems that branch in round ovals in opposite pattern. Stems will wilt in hot summers if not sufficient water. If wilted, support stems to prevent break, water and plant will recover.
A year cycle in the life of ...... at Mooring Hitch Potted in 1/2 soil, 1/2 gravel to offset top heavy plant. Water frequently during hot summers. - 3 potted plants of various sizes, all over time from the tiny cutting.(Dec. ’12)
          Mooring Hitch Gardens       
 

July - 2012

December, 2012

July  2012

July 8, 2012