Botanical Name:

Opuntia ficus-indica

Common Name:

Cactus pear, Indian fig, opuntia, prickly pear, تين شوكي

Genus:

Prickly pears (Opuntia)

Will it survive Kuwait’s summer or is it just seasonal?

Will survive Kuwait’s summer

Description:

Barbary fig is a flowering cactus that is native to Mexico. This drought tolerant plant is widely domesticated and is grown for agricultural purposes in arid climates throughout the world like Kuwait. This species is edible and planted widely as a fruit and vegetable crop. This plant is also planted to combat soil erosion.

Tips for Planting and Watering Needs:

Plant in full sun during the mid to late September when the highest temperature reaches 35 °C. Water once daily during early winter. During the colder days of winter, you could water once every two to three days. Make sure not to water when there is rain. During early summer water once a day, while during the hotter days of summer water twice daily in the early morning, preferably before sun rise, and after sun set. Allow soil to completely dry between watering.

Characteristics

Plant Type: Tree, shrub, succulent

Lifespan: Perennial

Bloom Time: Summer, Spring

Plant Height: 1 m to 6 m

Spread: 2 m to 3 m

Difficulty Rating: Easy

Sunlight: Full sun

Care Guide

Fertilization: Once in September

Pruning: Trim diseased and withered leaves once a month

Planting Time: September to January (the closer to September the better)

Will it Live in a Pot: yes, but needs excellent drainage in pots