Nopal is a type of cactus native to Mexico. Known commonly as the "Prickly Pear", almost every part of the Nopal cactus is edible. Health benefits of Nopal include the regulation of the metabolic system and increased circulation. Nopal are resilient, hardy plants and although their native climate is a warm one, these cacti are very adaptable and capable of surviving in colder temperatures. Nopal cacti are fairly easy to grow because they take root quickly and require very little maintenance.
Instructions
1. Prepare a soil mixture to plant your Nopal cactus in. The ideal soil for this plant mimics that of its rocky native soil. If rocky soil is not available, however, the Nopal cactus will grow successfully in standard potting soil.
2. Plant a pad removed from a mature Nopal cactus into the soil. Allow a portion of the cactus pad to remain above the ground. If you choose, you may simply place the cactus pad on top of the soil as Nopal cacti pads can take root by simply laying upon the soil mixture.
3. Water the germinating cactus once a week. If your cactus is planted outdoors, do not water the plant after a recent rainfall as too much water can be detrimental to your cactus.
4. Wait for the roots of the Nopal cactus to take hold well in the soil. When this occurs, pack the soil down around the base of the young cactus as tightly as possible. Cacti are heavy, and this will prevent your plant from tipping as it grows.
5. Expose your Nopal cactus to plenty of sunlight. If you opt to grow the cactus indoors, place it near a window where it can benefit from as much sun exposure as possible. You may even opt to take the plant outdoors on warm days.
6. Feed your Nopal cactus a diluted low-nitrogen plant food every six months to ensure that it remains healthy.
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