Cactus pads??

[Tony the tank]

Can anyone tell me how the cactus pads keep.. Ws debating ordering 5lbs and refrigerating it?? How long will it keep??

 

[jaizei]

Kept dry and cool they should keep for a few weeks, depending on how thick they are to start with. Thinner pads don't last as long.

 

[DeanS]

Do not refrigerate! Keep them at room temp and they'll last for months...they may even produce new growth in that time!

 

[CtTortoiseMom]

Mine spoiled in a week when I kept them at room temp. I put them in large glad bags and keep them in the refrigerator and they last for a long time.

 

[dmmj]

I can't believe they spoiled so quickly, I have often kept pads and pieces of cactus outside for weeks and never had a problem.

 

[dmarcus]

I agree, I have kept mine out for a while with no issues...

 

[Jacqui]

Mine spoiled in a week when I kept them at room temp. I put them in large glad bags and keep them in the refrigerator and they last for a long time.

Glad I am not the only one. Of course, I swear I must have some cactus hating chemical in my blood stream, because I can kill or have go bad, a cactus faster then all the rest of your guys.

 

[Torty Mom]

Mine last for month too, I keep them outside on my patio. The pricky pears however do not, they go bad fast.

Jacqui and Erin where are you getting your pads from? I am thinking they might not be as fresh.

 

[CtTortoiseMom]

I get mine off Ebay. I got so much one time that I did not have room for all of it in the fridge so I kept half out and half in the fridge. The half I kept out turned an orangey color and became mushy. I was really surprised and they are pretty expensive so I never tried to keep them out again. Could it be the difference in where we live?

 

[dmmj]

I get mine off Ebay. I got so much one time that I did not have room for all of it in the fridge so I kept half out and half in the fridge. The half I kept out turned an orangey color and became mushy. I was really surprised and they are pretty expensive so I never tried to keep them out again. Could it be the difference in where we live?

I know cacti don't do very well under wet/moist conditions. it is wet and or moist where you are?

 

[Calamala]

I am lucky enough that my yard is full of them! I can just go pick and clean them. The bad part is the prickles in my finger tips! YIKES..next time I am wearing gloves.

 

[Tom]

Ditto what Dean said.

I've left pads sitting out for months before feeding them out or planting them. I had a box of them sitting in the breezeway for nearly 8 months at one time. It was in the shade, but temps were over 100 for most of the summer. I have a pad right now that is laying flat on top of a dog cage, with no soil anywhere near it, and its got two new 4-5" pads growing out of it. It must have to do with moisture. Just guessing. It is very dry where Dean, The Captain and I live.

 

[topsyturvey]

I cut mine up into strips, froze them on a cookie sheet then put them in zip lock bags, I haven't fed them yet but can't see where it should be an issue