CACTUS NOPAL

Light:
☀️ Full sun. Cactus Nopal thrives in bright, direct sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight a day for optimal growth. If grown indoors, place it in the sunniest window or under a grow light.

Water:
💧 Water sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Cactus Nopal is drought-tolerant and doesn't need frequent watering. Water deeply during the growing season (spring and summer), but reduce watering significantly in the winter when the plant is dormant. Avoid leaving the cactus sitting in water.

Soil:
🌱 Well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil. Cactus Nopal thrives in a soil mix made for cacti or succulents, which ensures proper drainage and avoids moisture buildup. You can also mix regular potting soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage.

Temperature:
🌡️ Prefers warm temperatures between 70°F and 95°F (21°C - 35°C). It can tolerate higher temperatures but should be protected from cold, especially frost. Cactus Nopal is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and should be brought indoors or protected during colder months if grown in regions with frost.

Humidity:
💦 Low humidity. Cactus Nopal thrives in dry conditions and doesn't need humidity to grow. It is adapted to desert environments, so keep it in low-humidity areas.

Fertilizer:
🌼 Feed lightly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted, balanced cactus fertilizer or a general-purpose fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can encourage excess growth at the expense of flowering. Fertilizing should be minimal in fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing.

Pruning:
✂️ Cactus Nopal generally doesn't require pruning. However, you can remove dead or damaged pads (the flat, rounded segments) carefully using gloves or tongs to avoid the spines. If you want to control the plant’s size, prune pads back in the growing season, ensuring cuts are made cleanly to avoid infection.