Cactus pads storage

Tom

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i know cactus pads should be stored in the fridge but how long will they keep for?
They should NOT be stored in the fridge. This will cause them to rot prematurely. Keep them in a warm dry area with good ventilation. I lay them on the tops of wire dog crates and they will literally last more than a year outside with summer temp over 38C and winter temps below 0C. Stack those same pads in a plastic tub and they will begin to rot within a couple of weeks. Ventilation is key. Cold temps don't help cactus pads, air movement does.
 

katieandiggy

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I did snap a pad off my old cactus (not an opituna) to see if it would grow, I was told snap it off, let it scab over for a couple of days before planting and then plant and don’t water for 2 weeks as you say... I didn’t have the best luck with it, it’s alive but hasn’t grown much.
 

Tom

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I did snap a pad off my old cactus (not an opituna) to see if it would grow, I was told snap it off, let it scab over for a couple of days before planting and then plant and don’t water for 2 weeks as you say... I didn’t have the best luck with it, it’s alive but hasn’t grown much.
I let them scab over for two weeks in my hot dry climate.

Cactus need hot full sun. Morning sun, mid day sun, and afternoon sun. Sun sun sun. All sun all the time, and hot too. The hotter the better. This is hard to do in the UK...

Many succulents do fine with less sun and lower temps. Have you tried jade plant? They won't survive outside in winter there, but they'd do well in summer.
 

katieandiggy

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I let them scab over for two weeks in my hot dry climate.

Cactus need hot full sun. Morning sun, mid day sun, and afternoon sun. Sun sun sun. All sun all the time, and hot too. The hotter the better. This is hard to do in the UK...

Many succulents do fine with less sun and lower temps. Have you tried jade plant? They won't survive outside in winter there, but they'd do well in summer.

Thanks Tom, I’ll have a look.
 

Ben02

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Y’all also could get some growing in them 5 gallon bucket, making the high flowing soil they like,and have fun making it grow to one side of the handle so you can move it easy and all that.
That’s a good idea, I’ve got a couple buckets in the shed I can use.
 
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