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Chaparral pricklypear
Chaparral pricklypear
Chaparral pricklypear
Chaparral pricklypear
Chaparral pricklypear
Chaparral pricklypear
Opuntia oricola
Chaparral pricklypear (Opuntia oricola) is a species of pricklypear cactus indigenous to sage scrub and chaparral habitats along the southwestern coast of North America, in California and Baja California. The tree-like, bushy succulent blooms yellow-to-orange flowers in spring, followed by pear-shaped fruit called a "tuna" that's juicy, sweet, and edible.
Hardiness Zones
Hardiness Zones
9 to 11
plant_info

Key Facts About Chaparral pricklypear

Attributes of Chaparral pricklypear

Lifespan
Perennial
Bloom Time
Spring
Plant Height
3 m
Spread
1.2 m
Flower Color
Yellow
Green
Gold
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃

Symbolism

Lust, Love

Scientific Classification of Chaparral pricklypear

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distribution

Distribution of Chaparral pricklypear

Distribution Map of Chaparral pricklypear

distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
habit
question

Questions About Chaparral pricklypear

Temperature Temperature Temperature
What is the optimal temperature for Chaparral pricklypear?
For this tropical plant to thrive, you’ll want to keep them between 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃). Each species can handle temperatures outside of this range, but keeping it within several degrees of these limits will ensure they grow to their maximum potential.
As for its extreme temperature limits, any environment below 50℉ (10℃) or above 95℉ (35℃) will begin to hinder its growth and cause various aberrations to its leaves and stems. This is especially true with low temperatures; even a light frost can cause your tropical plants to perish. Cellular death can begin to happen at a rapid pace, with some species dying in as little as 12 to 24 hours.
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Does Chaparral pricklypear require different temperatures for different growing phases?
While Chaparral pricklypear doesn’t require any changes in temperature to enter different growing phases, it is important to stay consistent. Wild temperature fluctuations can slow down its growth regardless of its current phase, so it's always better to keep them in a controlled environment. That optimal temperature range of 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃) is vital to maintain, especially staying above the lower limit. Going above 90℉(32℃) isn’t ideal, but as tropical plant it won’t suffer too much. On the other hand, going below 50℉ (10℃) (and especially 40℉/5℃) will begin to directly damage this heat-loving plant species.
Read More more
Does Chaparral pricklypear need different temperatures for different seasons?
Chaparral pricklypear does not need different temperatures for different growing seasons. The most important step in seasonal care is to keep the environment within the optimal temperature range. That's why it's always best to keep this plant indoors. That way, you can control the temperature no matter what the climate is like outside.
Light is also important for tropical species, with all of these plants preferring a partial side level of sun exposure. This means any light they receive needs to be dappled or filtered, with bright but indirect light being the best option when growing your plants indoors. Too much direct sunlight can negatively affect your plant’s leaves, reducing its growth potential.
Read More more
What are the temperature guidelines to keep your Chaparral pricklypear healthy?
Tip #1: Don’t Leave Your Plant Near Windows in Colder Months
If you want to make sure your plant isn’t exposed to colder temperatures, you may want to keep them away from windows. In colder months like late fall and winter, even the smallest draft can leak cold air into your home through cracks in your windows. While this air usually dissipates and warms up as it travels throughout your home, any plants placed in close proximity to the window will be affected. Move your tropical plants into an area where they will still get bright but indirect light, while making sure they won’t be affected by potential drafts.
Tip #2: If You Find Dry Patches, Your Plant May Be Getting Too Much Sunlight or Heat
You may notice the leaves become white or even scorched on a sunny day. These discolorations and unusual markings usually indicate that a plant is getting too much heat or sunlight, and it may be dehydrated. Excess light and heat will dry out the soil, stopping plants from getting the moisture they need to support their cellular structure. It also slows down or stops the process of photosynthesis, further hindering growth. If ignored for too long, these dry spots can spread and eventually result in the death of your plants.
Tip #3: Avoid Frost at All Costs
Colder temperatures and frost can damage your plants by causing ice crystals or disrupt normal physiological activity. This makes it nearly impossible for water to move freely throughout plant tissue, creating a deficit of moisture in their stems and leaves. You can tell a plant has been damaged by frost if it begins to suffer from hydrosis (it will appear as though it's soaked with water.) If the problem persists, your plants may begin shriveling and turning a dark brown or black hue. After that, the plant will almost certainly die.
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What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Chaparral pricklypear?
The best way to maintain the right temperature range for Chaparral pricklypear is by keeping an eye on both the climate and humidity. You’ll want to try to keep each species in a room where you have access to climate control, keeping the heat in the temperature range best mimics its natural habitat. The humidity levels will also have a direct effect on temperature, so it's important to monitor these as well. You can artificially raise the humidity of your growing space by using a humidifier or lightly misting the leaves with water.
If you intend to grow this species outside, you may find it difficult to maintain the right balance of temperature and humidity. If temperatures begin to drop or the air becomes too dry, your best option is to find room within your home and move your plant inside. An indoor growing space will allow you to control the climate more closely, helping your plant reach its full potential.
Read More more
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other_plant

Plants Related to Chaparral pricklypear

Coastal Pricklypear
Coastal Pricklypear
Coastal Pricklypear (Opuntia littoralis) originates in California and Baja California. It grows in chaparrals and sage scrublands where it can form large clusters that make great hiding places for small animals. The coastal Pricklypear produces edible fruit.
Arborescent pricklypear
Arborescent pricklypear
Arborescent pricklypear is a species of cactus once found only in the mountains of Mexico. It is now considered an invasive species in southern North America. It produces yellow flowers which are followed by yellow fruits. This species can grow up to 3.5 m tall.
Dollarjoint pricklypear
Dollarjoint pricklypear
Dollarjoint pricklypear, or Opuntia chlorotica, is a species of cactus native to the United States. Like many cacti, it is drought-tolerant and covered in sharp spines. It grows in an upright, bush habit.
Prickly pear
Prickly pear
Prickly pear is often cultivated as a hedge or an ornamental plant. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds and thrives in semi-arid areas and savannas. The flowers range from reddish to yellow, and it bears fleshy fruits. The seed may remain viable in the soil for at least 19 months.
Prickly pear
Prickly pear
Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a flowering cactus native to Mexico. Prickly pear is a widely domesticated species grown for agricultural purposes in arid climates throughout the world. This species is edible and planted widely as a fruit and vegetable crop. Prickly pear is commercially valued as food, animal fodder, an adobe ingredient, and is also planted to control soil erosion.
Shaw's agave
Shaw's agave
Shaw's agave is a critically endangered species of agave. This plant’s scientific name comes from Henry Shaw, who founded the Missouri Botanical Garden. It is native to California. This ornamental species of agave is slow-growing and not frost-tolerant.
Strawberry tree
Strawberry tree
Arbutus unedo is an evergreen shrub or a small tree native to Europe. It is colloquially called strawberry tree because its bright red fruits somewhat resemble strawberries. The fruits of this lovely plant are very nutritious and full of sugar, which is why they are mostly used for making jams, pastries, fruit yogurts, and alcoholic beverages.
Yavi cactus
Yavi cactus
Yavia cryptocarpa is a newly-discovered yavi cactus endemic to Argentina where it grows on barren, mountainous slopes. Interestingly, Yavia cryptocarpa produces fruits that bloom inside the cactus body and become visible only when the plant is deprived of moisture. In cultivation, this species thrives in deep pots and mineral-rich soil.
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Related Plants
Chaparral pricklypear
Chaparral pricklypear
Chaparral pricklypear
Chaparral pricklypear
Chaparral pricklypear
Chaparral pricklypear
Opuntia oricola
Chaparral pricklypear (Opuntia oricola) is a species of pricklypear cactus indigenous to sage scrub and chaparral habitats along the southwestern coast of North America, in California and Baja California. The tree-like, bushy succulent blooms yellow-to-orange flowers in spring, followed by pear-shaped fruit called a "tuna" that's juicy, sweet, and edible.
Hardiness Zones
Hardiness Zones
9 to 11
plant_info

Key Facts About Chaparral pricklypear

Attributes of Chaparral pricklypear

Lifespan
Perennial
Bloom Time
Spring
Plant Height
3 m
Spread
1.2 m
Flower Color
Yellow
Green
Gold
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
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Symbolism

Lust, Love

Scientific Classification of Chaparral pricklypear

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distribution

Distribution of Chaparral pricklypear

Distribution Map of Chaparral pricklypear

distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
question

Questions About Chaparral pricklypear

Temperature Temperature Temperature
What is the optimal temperature for Chaparral pricklypear?
more
Does Chaparral pricklypear require different temperatures for different growing phases?
more
Does Chaparral pricklypear need different temperatures for different seasons?
more
What are the temperature guidelines to keep your Chaparral pricklypear healthy?
more
What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Chaparral pricklypear?
more
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Plants Related to Chaparral pricklypear

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