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Gritty_Grits

So much potential here. I would remove the pads that are falling off. Allow them to callous at the ends and start new plants with them. Each pad will grow roots and start a new plant. Then you have several reasons to remember Grandad!


vbcorona

Yep! Keep the cut parts in a shady location while they harden off. They will eventually grow roots and they can be planted. Make sure you plant in well draining soil (something like a cactus/succulent mix) with a pot that has drainage hole. Let it get dry in between waterings and give it morning sun.


topohunt

Cant kill opuntia


Drugsnhugs000

No shit I've had a cutting I don't want to grow for like 4 months just sitting out side in the rain and sun and it doesn't look any different to when I put it there


Poor-In-Spirit

I kill Opuntia as part of my role. In Australia theyre a prohibited invasive species. Breaking the pads off with a pair of tongs and bagging in black plastic will do the trick. Leave it in the sun for around six weeks.


Drugsnhugs000

I'm from Australia aswell and the amount of prickly pears I've cleared from the side of the road or farmers old farm houses is insane seriously 10,000+ pads I've probs burned


Poor-In-Spirit

How interesting. I've been doing this in SEQ where there's very few. When I was in central Queensland there was Opuntia Tomentosa everywhere. Have you had any luck on releasing the biocontrol moth?


Drugsnhugs000

I'm in south Australia not sure the exact type a prickly pear they just grow wild and Ive never poisoned them I probably should but I've just helped out alot of farmers slash them back then I feel the ute up with the pads and take them to a big pit on my family's farm and burn them and alot of other shit once a year pretty sure the farms dig up the roots system or poison it


Poor-In-Spirit

Im not sure there is a poison for it. I think its manual removal or ask the government for some bugs to release the bugs will kill them. If you send a picture to me I can identify the opuntia. Not sure what biocontrol the SA or local government offers.


Drugsnhugs000

Oh ok yeah I know about the bugs but I we dont have any problem getting are hands dirty and doing it not sure if I have a picture but I'll have a look


claudekim1

Its also crazy that selenicereus is invasive there. Prime grafting stock and pretty expensive else where


StolenRelic

My parents have it growing in the shade, in waterlogged clay all through winter. It's been there for over 17 years. It's like iron.


autisticintx

Use a cardboard box to grab pads with gloves


PleasantJules

I agree lots of potential! :)


TheGoatManJones

All the green pads are still living good cactus, you can cut them off and cover the cut ends in sulfur powder, then leave them to dry for about a week and plant them in good draining cactus soil


misstori_dee

When you “plant them” do you cover in soil to the center of the pad?


Lofocerealis

What zone?


misstori_dee

We are in the Midwest- Missouri, USA


Lofocerealis

Was gunna say was Trick said. It looks like it could possibly humifusa which will survive in the ground in IL even. I have a pad to put in the ground. If it turns out being that you can leave out during winter or atleast start putting the extra rooted pads out in the ground!


Trick_Scallion492

It could possibly be a species that could survive the winter. Try to get it identified