Analysis of the propagation of ornamental cacti (Opuntia microdasys and Opuntia microdasys albata) on different substrate types

Abstract

Cacti are native to the Americas, have various shapes and sizes and are suitable for hot and
arid environments. The objective of the work was to evaluate two ornamental cacti species:
Opuntia microdasys and Opuntia microdasys albata, using cladodes, in three mixtures of substrates,
containing clay, crushed mica, organic compound and bovine manure. Growth parameters
such as survival rates, number of brotations and morphological parameters were analyzed:
length, width and perimeter of their articles at 270 days after the plan. The weight of the green
and dry mass was also verified for two varied. It was concluded that an O. microdasys species
acclimates better than O. microdasys albata in relation to the observed parameters. All the
substrates used in the research respond positively to the survival index, but a substrate composition
containing clay, mica and organic compost provided the best phenological performance.