Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
The cactus above from Wyoming are; Grizzly Bear Prickly Pear var. 'opuntia erincea' var. and the small one is a variety of 'eichinocerus' family of cactus; it is not a barrel cactus.
Great info, thanks! I was referring to the small cactus on the right of the prickly pear in the photo on the right. Looks like a small barrel cactus to me?
Where Do They Grow? Most cactus species grow in hot, dry regions. In North America they are prevalent in Mexico and many parts of the Southwestern United States. But cactuses can also be found on mountains, in rain forests, and some even grow in Alaska and near Antarctica.
The cactus above from Wyoming are; Grizzly Bear Prickly Pear var. 'opuntia erincea' var. and the small one is a variety of 'eichinocerus' family of cactus; it is not a barrel cactus.
In the No. Eastern US area of the states, with the exception of some varieites of prickly pear, most cacti need to be in a controlled environment such as a green house to grow all year around. It's too cold and damp/wet for most species.
There are over 5800 varieties of cactus, including several hundred varieties of 'opuntia' Prickly Pear and 'opuntia' cholla family.
There are some varieties of prickly pear that grow in all 50 states.
Thanks for the info. Though I've seen many of these cacti in my travels, I really had no idea what they were. At least now I have names for them.
Anyone have any specific ideas to keep prickly pear alive outdoors in the colder climes? What kind of soil? How much daily sunshine is needed? Can they survive a few sub-zero days?
Many factors are involved here. Most cacti need protection below 32 degrees. Some species of Prickly Pear will survive in colder climates, though those are regional native cacti adapted to that area.
If you have prickly pear in colder climates that are not native to your area, and you cannot move them to a warmer location, then cover them with burlap or some other frost protection material.
If you know the name, or species ,of your cacti, look it up on a google search and find the care for your area.
Stick with cold hardy cacti. There is one that grows as big as prickly pear and looks like it except the thorns are smaller and it does not seem to bear fruit. I can think of two patches of it growing here in DC and it survives the winters without protection.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.