Indischer Feigenkaktus

Variety

Indischer Feigenkaktus

created by Alexandro at 19.03.2025

Features

Color

Flower orange

Flower red

Fruit red - purple

Fruit yellow - orange

Resistances

resistant

robust

drought tolerant

heat resistant

Pest-resistant

hardy down to -5°C

Taste

Melon aroma

Pear aroma

Fruit shape

oval

spiny

Growth habit

shrubby

tree

thorny

lifespan: perennial

Location

Outdoor

protected

Warm location

sheltered from the wind

House wall/wall

roofed

permeable soil

kiesig bis sandig

trocken bis mäßig feucht

Frostfrei

Kalktolerant

Season Overview

Propagating

Planting

Harvest

J

F

M

A

M

J

A

S

O

N

D

Description

The prickly pear cactus Opuntia ficus-indica is a widespread cactus species. Its many names alone show this. In English it is called Indian Fig, in French Figuier de Barbarie and in Spanish Tuna or Figuera de moro. Its distribution area, which covers all warm and dry areas of the world, is correspondingly diverse. The genus Opuntia originates from Mexico and other parts of America and has around 200 species. In its native regions, the prickly pear grows up to 6 m tall and sprawls out. It branches out into regularly spaced shoots with fine, prickly bristles. These shoots or sprouts are also known as 'ears' because of their shape. The special thing about the prickly pear is actually its fruit. After flowering beautifully in summer, it produces edible fruit in the fall that resembles figs. Flowering always occurs on the annual shoot, which is particularly important. Flowering can be very profuse, so that abundant fruit can be expected even under good conditions. The color of the flower is either lemon yellow or pink-red. However, other colors such as orange can also be found in various species of Opuntia.

Non hybrid

Not frost resistant

Growing tips

Irrigation Keep the soil moderately moist, especially during the growth phase. Prickly pears tolerate drought better than too much water. In winter, water only minimally or not at all Fertilization Fertilize during the growth phase (spring to summer) about every 4-6 weeks with a special cactus fertilizer. Protection from frost In colder regions, bring the cactus into a frost-free room in winter or protect it well outdoors Care and pruning Remove dead or damaged parts of the plant to prevent disease. Make sure that there is no waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Pest control Prickly pear cacti are quite robust, but can be attacked by mealybugs or other pests. Check regularly and remove them if necessary