Opuntia engelmannii var. linguiformis (Cow's Tongue Cactus)

There are severalvarietiesofOpuntia engelmannii , the most typical of which isOpuntia engelmanniivar.linguiformis .

Opuntia engelmanniivar.linguiformis(Griffiths ) B.D.Parfitt & Pinkava

Cow ’s Tongue Cactus , Cow Tongue Prickly Pear

Opuntia engelmannii var. linguiformis (Cow’s Tongue Cactus)

Opuntia linguiformis

Family : CactaceaeSubfamily : OpuntioideaeTribe : OpuntieaeGenus : Opuntia

The varietal epithet " linguiformis(pronounced lin - GWEE - form - iss ) " mean " tongue - shaped " and pertain to the elongated pad .

Opuntia engelmannii var. linguiformis (Cow’s Tongue Cactus)

Opuntia engelmanniivar.linguiformisis native to native to the southernUnited States(Texas ) . Its aboriginal habitat is drygrassland .

Opuntia engelmanniivar.linguiformisis ashrubbyortree - likecactuswith lance - shaped stem segments ( pads ) that become very elongated and often sickle - shaped with age . These inkpad can develop up to 4 feet ( 1.2 m ) long and 7 inches ( 17.5 curium ) widely . The sticker are absent or up to 3 irregularly coiffure at most distalareoles . They are jaundiced when young , darken to blackish as they senesce , and can measure up to 1.2 inches ( 3 curium ) long .

During spring , Opuntia engelmanniivar.linguiformisproduces large flower , unremarkably white-livered or sometimes orange to pink or red-faced . The flowers can strive a length of 3.2 inches ( 8 cm ) , include the flowered loving cup , and a diameter of 1.6 column inch ( 4 curium ) . The fruits are almost wishy-washy , red to deep purple , and contain reddish - purple pulp and tan to grayish seeds . They are egg- to barrelful - regulate and can grow up to 3.6 inches ( 9 cm ) long and 1.6 inches ( 4 cm ) in diam .

Opuntia engelmannii var. linguiformis (Cow’s Tongue Cactus)

Light : Opuntia engelmanniivar.linguiformisthrives in full sun , but some nuance during midday and afternoon can forbid sunburn in very hot clime . A window that have sunlight 6 hours a 24-hour interval knead best when grown indoors .

Soil : This cactus involve a well - draining soil mix . you’re able to use a commercial-grade cactus pot intermixture orcreate your own .

Temperature : passing liberal of high temperatures , Opuntia engelmanniivar.linguiformisprefers cooler temperatures in wintertime . It grows adept inUSDA Plant Hardiness Zones8a to 10b , with average minimal winter temperature ranging from 10 to 40 ° F ( -12.2 to 4.4 ° one C ) .

Opuntia engelmannii var. linguiformis (Cow’s Tongue Cactus)

lachrymation : From spring to fall , water moderately and let the dirt dry out entirely before watering again . In most areas , rain will be enough for established plants . If potted , never let the container ride in water . Suspend watering during thewinter .

fertilise : Opuntia engelmanniivar.linguiformisdoes not require plant food when planted in the land . However , it will benefit from fertilise during the maturate season when grow in a container . practice a water - soluble fertiliser . set aside feeding during the wintertime when the plant go dormant .

Repotting : Repot only when the cactus becomes potbound or is too declamatory and fluid in its container . Choose a somewhat expectant container with drainage holes at the bottom . The best prison term for repotting is late winter or other give .

extension : you’re able to propagateOpuntia engelmanniivar.linguiformisby stem section or seeds . Using base segment is the easiest method acting and give way loyal results . Take stem segments in early summertime for estimable issue , and inseminate the seeds in late spring .

Learn more atHow to Grow and Care for Opuntia .

Opuntia engelmanniivar.linguiformisis not toxic to humankind or positron emission tomography . However , keep the plant away from pets and children as it has harmful acantha and glochids that may cause skin irritation .

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