Ideal Temperature for Eastern prickly pear
Images of Eastern prickly pear
Signs of Cold Stress in Eastern prickly pear
Symptoms
Eastern prickly pear flourishes in warm conditions and cannot withstand cold. Optimal growth occurs when temperatures exceed 60℉. In winter, maintain temperatures above 50℉. Below 32℉, the plant may weaken, droop, and be susceptible to root decay. Minor frost damage might not show immediate signs, but the plant will progressively decline after a week.
Solutions
Remove frost-damaged sections, checking for root rot. If roots are rotted, excise them, and the plant can be propagated from cuttings. Promptly relocate indoors to a warm spot, positioning it near a south-facing window for ample light. Supplement with artificial lighting if natural light is insufficient.
Signs of Heat Stress in Eastern prickly pear
Symptoms
In summer, Eastern prickly pear should be kept below 95℉. When temperatures surpass 105℉, plant growth halts, it dehydrates, wilts, and is more vulnerable to sun damage.
Solutions
Excise sunburnt and decayed portions. Protect the plant from intense afternoon sun until it recovers and resumes growth. For plants with root rot, cease watering until new roots develop.
