How to Grow Nagfani ka Paudha | Growing Prickly Pear Cactus

 Nagfani ka Paudha not only looks cute but is also quite easy to maintain! Let’s have a look at How to Grow Prickly Pear Cactus in India!

Nagfani ka Paudha is a cute little plant that you can train to grow indoors as well as in the garden. Being a cactus, it adapts well to the hot and humid climate of India too. Here are all the details!

Check Out How to Grow Ashwagandha ka Paudha here

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Nagfani ka Paudha Information

This cactus is mainly popular for its flowers and fruits. Nagfani ka Paudha in English is popular as prickly pear or pear cactus but it is also famous by other names in different parts of India. The reason why it has this peculiar Indian name is because of the shape of its leaves, which looks like the head of a cobra.

Other Names— Barbary-fig Cactus, Cactus Pear Fruit, Gracemere-Pear, Indian-fig, Indian fig, Nopal Cactus, Oponce, Opuntia, Opuntia cardona, Opuntia ficus, Opuntia ficus-indica, Opuntia fuliginosa, Opuntia hyptiacantha, Opuntia lasciacantha, Opuntia macrocentra, Opuntia megacantha, Opuntia puberula, Opuntia streptacantha, Opuntia velutina, Opuntia violacea, Tuna Cardona, Westwood-Pea

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How to Grow Nagfani Ka Paudha?

You can propagate Nagfani Ka Paudha from seeds or pads. However, growing this plant from both these methods can be a bit time-consuming, so it is better to get a well-grown sample from a nearby nursery.

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Requirements for Growing Nagfani Ka Paudha

Sunlight

The plant grows best in a sunny location as being a cactus, it hates to be in a shaded spot. If you are growing it indoors, make sure it gets a minimum 5-6 hours of direct sunlight. 

While growing it in the garden, pick a spot that gets sunlight for the most part of the day.

 Check Out 22 Plants That Grow Without Sunlight here

Soil

This cactus can tolerate poor soil conditions and will do remarkably well in regular garden soil. For best growth, add garden soil, sand, coco peat, and vermicompost in equal quantities. This will ensure the plant stays healthy and produces the best flowers and fruits. 

Water

Water the plant only when the topsoil gets a little dry as being a cactus, it stores moisture in its leaves. Watering the plant daily will result in root rot.

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Nagfani Ka Paudha Care

Fertilizer

Fertilize the plant monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to 1/2 of its strength. You can also use a handful of cow dung manure every 2 months to boost the growth.

Pests and Diseases

Mealybugs and spider mites can attack the plant. Use a neem oil solution to keep them at bay. The best way to avoid diseases is to avoid overwatering and keeping the plant in an airy location.

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Harvesting

To harvest Nagfani, wait till the fruits lose all their prickly spikes and turn completely red from green. Wear protective gloves and pull the fruits from the plant without damaging the leaves.

• Eating the leaves of the plant help in the reduction of phlegm and also purifies the blood.
• It also helps to eliminate cough and cold.
• Applying the paste of its leaves around the eyes soothes the skin and eliminates dark circles.

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