Opuntia propagation

[BeyondTheGarden]

There's quite a bit of Opuntia around here and people sometimes give it away for free or virtually nothing.  Here's a large clump, I can have as much as I want.  I have propagated before by breaking off a singular pad at a time, callousing, rooting, etc.  But, if I want to get a head start, can I cut it off at ground level, or one of the lower pads, and root the ground-level pad, maintaining the overall height of the clump?  

I may see if I can dig some up, but due to its sprawling nature, I imaging it's hard to get a shovel right up to where the base meets the ground.  

[Silas_Sancona]

3 hours ago, Jesse PNW said:

There's quite a bit of Opuntia around here and people sometimes give it away for free or virtually nothing.  Here's a large clump, I can have as much as I want.  I have propagated before by breaking off a singular pad at a time, callousing, rooting, etc.  But, if I want to get a head start, can I cut it off at ground level, or one of the lower pads, and root the ground-level pad, maintaining the overall height of the clump?  

I may see if I can dig some up, but due to its sprawling nature, I imaging it's hard to get a shovel right up to where the base meets the ground.  

 

[BeyondTheGarden]

Totally radicle. 

 

[BeyondTheGarden]

Managed to get a good several with good roots, potted them several to each pot.  The rest will callous outside, I have nowhere protected to keep them.  what is pictured is a small amount of the total.  Will plant them in a week or so. 

They appear to root prolifically while growing on the clump.  This was a fun and prickly experience.  Looking fwd to putting them in ground, I assume I should find somewhere dry to keep them for the winter and then plant in spring. 

 

 

[Tom in Tucson]

3 hours ago, Jesse PNW said:

Managed to get a good several with good roots, potted them several to each pot.  The rest will callous outside, I have nowhere protected to keep them.  what is pictured is a small amount of the total.  Will plant them in a week or so. 

They appear to root prolifically while growing on the clump.  This was a fun and prickly experience.  Looking fwd to putting them in ground, I assume I should find somewhere dry to keep them for the winter and then plant in spring. 

 

 

As long as the night time temps are 65˚ or higher, keep them growing now.

Hi 96˚, Lo 70˚ - rain most of the day - 3/4"