Cactus Nursery Management

About Cactus Plant

The word Cactus comes from the Greek kaktos and belongs to the Cactaceae family.
Opuntia ficus indica is a domesticated cactus suited for arid and semi-arid regions, known for high water-use efficiency and ecological benefits.
Origin: Native to central Mexico, especially Valtierrilla (world capital of Nopal).
Common names: Indian fig opuntia, prickly pear, cactus pear, spineless cactus, Nopal cactus.

Plant Description

Fleshy, succulent stems (main photosynthetic organ).
Flowers in white, yellow, or red (appear in May; fruits ripen Aug–Oct).
Have areoles that produce spines, shoots, and flowers.

Importance in Arid/Semi-Arid India

Produces biomass using minimal water.
Multipurpose plant: drought-tolerant, easy to grow, supports pasture and soil conservation.
Source of 50+ agri-foods: marmalades, juices, candies, frozen pulp, beverages, pickles, sauces, soaps, shampoos, lotions.

Uses of Cactus (Opuntia ficus- indica ):

Fruit: Called tuna; eaten fresh, chilled, or made into jams and jellies. Needs careful peeling to remove spines.
Vegetables: Tender pads (nopales) eaten raw or cooked; used in salads, soups, marmalades, and breakfast dishes.
Fodder: High water content (85%); very good Water Use Efficiency. Useful for livestock in dry areas.
Industrial Uses: Making alcoholic drinks (e.g., colonche, ficodi, bajtra, tungi spirit).

Medicinal Uses :

Antioxidant (better than Vitamin C)
Anti-inflammatory
Lowers cholesterol & LDL
Helps control blood sugar (diabetes)
Used for ulcers
Other Uses: Waterproofing, natural dye, dietary minerals, dispersant for oil spills, and water purification.

Cactus Nursery Management

Collection of Cladodes : (8 Dec 2025)

i) Curing of Cladodes: (Peroid of Curing 8 Dec – 16 Dec 2025)

Fresh cladodes contain >85% moisture.
Must be dried to 65–70% moisture before planting.
Keep under shade for 15 days for curing.

ii) Nursery Media (16/12/2025)

Best mix: Soil : Sand : FYM = 40 : 40 : 20
Cactus is sensitive to waterlogging; good drainage is important.
Reason for Using the Growing Media
Sand : Soil : FYM (40 : 40 : 20) was used because cactus plants require low water availability and excellent drainage.
Sand (40%) was used because it does not retain water and allows excess water to drain out quickly, thereby preventing water logging.
Soil (40%) provides necessary support to the roots and retains a moderate amount of moisture.
FYM (20%) is an organic manure that supplies essential nutrients and retains a limited amount of moisture.
Water Holding Capacity (WHC) – Formula
WHC (%) = (Wet weight − Dry weight) / Dry weight × 100

Sand	Soil	FYM (Farm Yard Manure)
Wet weight = 20 g Dry weight = 20 g WHC = 0 % Sand does not retain water; water drains out immediately.	Wet weight = 26.28 g Dry weight = 20 g WHC = 31.4 % Soil holds a moderate amount of water.	Wet weight = 61.22 g Dry weight = 20 g WHC = 206.1 % FYM has a very high water holding capacity.

What Does This Mean for Cactus Cultivation?
Cactus plants required : 1.Low water availability 2. Excellent drainage

Why Is This Ratio Suitable?
Sand (40%) → Improves drainage
Soil (40%) → Provides root support and moderate moisture
FYM (20%) → Supplies nutrients and limited water retention
Therefore, water logging is avoided and root rot is prevented.