planting optunia

[dolfanjack]

So I bought some optunia to plant and give to the turtles. I left one pad out to dry and it started to turn black. Is this normal? I then planted the pad into a pot and the whole pad flopped over and turned black. The only green is where the spines were. Is this commen or should I buy a new pad and plant that? Thanks, Jack

 

[DeanS]

Drying process is about 3 days...just enough to form a callous over the cut. If it turns black...it's dead!

 

[Tom]

It takes weeks of sitting in 100 degree heat for those to turn black like that! How old WAS that pad? I usually let mine scar over for 2 or 3 weeks. I've had a few rot in the ground from planting them too early.

 

[Yvonne G]

You must've allowed it to get wet. They have to stay perfectly dry in order to keep. (laying on top of the dry ground, and not covered at all)

 

[dolfanjack]

The pad was already skined over when I bought it but I let it sit on a counter for four days before I planted it. By then it was already turning black. the pad never got wet until I planted it.

 

[Laura]

I wonder if it was frozen before you bought it..
I know i see it growing in people yards everywhere! look around.. if it will grow in your area, people will have it.. stop and ask for a cutting. That way you know its fresh..

 

[Terry Allan Hall]

The pad was already skined over when I bought it but I let it sit on a counter for four days before I planted it. By then it was already turning black. the pad never got wet until I planted it.

Might contact Len and see if he has any more Opuntia he can spare...he's a pretty generous guy!

 

[DeanS]

Jack...if (and when) you plant it, just make sure your soil drains well...that's the most important thing!

 

[sammi]

You might be able to find some fresh cuttings at your local farmers market too.

 

[dolfanjack]

Thank you all,your so kind!

 

[Jacqui]

Might contact Len and see if he has any more Opuntia he can spare...he's a pretty generous guy!

I very much agree with your comment on Len.