Need Info. About 'Opuntia Ficus'

9 years ago

Hi. I just came across this giant cactus/opuntia...on EBay. I found one with nice long spines, and many more that are spineless. Is there a difference between the two? Does one grow faster or better? Can either or both handle the wetness/humidity of South Florida? We have many different types of opuntias growing around in the city, they are everywhere . But this HUGE padded one is one I have never seen, and at $25 a pad....I don't want to throw my money away on a variety that will just rot. Our 'soil' is just sand, VERY little organic matter in it, so it drains fast, but when it is rainy season it rains!!! And of course hurricanes.

So...is it worth the $25 for a single pad I now see? Or will it not thrive here? anyone know? And is there a difference between the two types? Thanks.

Comments (3)

Dzitmoidonc
9 years ago
Ficus indica was supposed to be a miracle food source for the world that lives in dry climates. Spineless forms were created for this reason. Now the plant has become a major weed in areas where it was planted. Australians and people around the Mediterranean will attest to that.

25 bucks per pad is highway robbery. Ask around on here, I'm sure folks in CA, AZ or maybe TX can send you pads for postage. Given a couple of months, I can get some from some people who grow them in MD. They require constant pruning, and their pads are composted.

So far as whether or not they will live in FL, be careful what you wish for.
PoohBearLvr
Original Author
9 years ago
I am sorry to hear that this odd cactus is a 'weed' to you and others?. I REALLY want to get a pad of the spineless one and the one with spines. I have never seen this in Ft.Laud. anywhere and I have a huge yard that needs to have some 'spiny' plants in it. I am sure it is SLOW growing...by the time it gets any height, ill be long gone. I have never seen a opuntia grow much past 2-3 pads a year! Guess i'll put a wanted ad on here and ask for pads. I thought $25 was a huge amount of money for this. That's why I asked about it. Thanks.
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Dzitmoidonc
9 years ago
Poohbear, true, it only grows a couple of pads taller each yr, but the pads are 8-12 inches long! So at 1.5 ft./yr., it will take about 3 years to get 5 ft tall and wide. That said, i do not want to discourage you from looking to get one. They do produce a very edible fruit, hence their name, Ficus indica, 'Fig of the Indians'.