Update on Propagation of Semaphores and Opuntia
Here is a photo update on my propagation of Consolea corallicola and falcata from offset sterile fruit, and Opuntia keyensis from seed. I rooted the Florida semaphore and Haitian semaphore fruit upright like a rocket on a lauchpad and they quickly grew pads. The Opuntia keyensis – Florida Keys prickly pear cactus – I germinated from seed after soaking them for three days, in which time they grew first roots. Spraying with BTK and Spinosad mix every 15 days keeps the Cactoblastis cactorum moth caterpillars from ruining them. O. keyensis fruit tasted like rhubarb.
jvfreeman
James V. Freeman is an established visual artist (oil painting) with a deep interest in natural history, plants and farming. He has had numerous solo shows, a solo museum show, an upcoming museum show and his work has been featured in many publications to date. He currently has a studio in Williston, Fl at the family farm and homestead, "Cactus Island", and as a farmer, specializes in growing columnar cacti of the Caribbean and Gulf countries as well as the aquatic Madegascar Lace Plant. James and his mom Sharon manage and develop the permaculture homestead.
