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prickly pear cactus light

prickly pear cactus light Opuntia Santa Rita Prickly Pear

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Description

prickly pear cactus light Opuntia Santa Rita Prickly PearIntroducing the stunning Santa Rita prickly pear, also known as Opuntia Santa Rita, a vibrant member of the Opuntia genus. Native to the Sonoran Desert and northern Mexico, it has several other common names, such as Opuntia gosseliniana var. Santa Rita, Opuntia chlorotica var. Santa Rita, Opuntia violacea var. sinta rata, and purple prickly pear. It is highly regarded for its striking purple to violet colored pads and vibrant yellow flowers. The Santa

Introducing the stunning Santa Rita prickly pear, also known as Opuntia Santa Rita, a vibrant member of the Opuntia genus. Native to the Sonoran Desert and northern Mexico, it has several other common names, such as Opuntia gosseliniana var. Santa Rita, Opuntia chlorotica var. Santa Rita, Opuntia violacea var. sinta rata, and purple prickly pear. It is highly regarded for its striking purple to violet-colored pads and vibrant yellow flowers. 

The Santa Rita prickly pear typically grows in a shrubby, spreading form, reaching a height of about 6 feet and spreading up to 8 feet wide.

Its pads are flat and oval-shaped, and the outer edges are covered in clusters of small, barbed spines. These pads change from light blue-gray in the summer to a rich purple color in the winter. 

These purple pads intensify with exposure to sunlight and drought, adding to their visual appeal.  

The flowers of the Santa Rita Prickly Pear bloom during the spring and early summer. The Santa Rita prickly pear produces stunning yellow flowers that bloom at the ends of the pads.  

Preparing Pads and Fruit

The pads (nopales) and fruits (tunas) of the Santa Rita prickly pear are edible and highly nutritious. The small edible purple fruits and pads of the Santa Rita opuntia, known as prickly pears or tunas, are oval-shaped and can vary in color from green to purple. Before eating, it’s important to handle them carefully because of the small, barbed spines that cover the pads and fruits. Wearing protective gloves or using tongs is recommended.

To prepare the pads, first remove all spines with a knife or vegetable peeler. They can then be sliced, grilled, boiled, or sautéed. Nopales have a slightly tangy flavor and a crisp, slightly mucilaginous texture.

The fruits should be rinsed and peeled, carefully removing the spiny skin. Once peeled, the sweet, juicy flesh can be eaten fresh, added to salads, jams, or desserts, or blended into smoothies and drinks. Both pads and fruits are not only delicious but also rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins.

When and How to Water Your Santa Rita Prickly Pear 

The Santa Rita prickly pear has specific watering needs; they requires water sparingly. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues, so it's important to find the right balance. The Santa Rita Prickly Pear prefers watering once every 2-3 weeks during the growing season, and once a month during the dormant season.

In spring and summer, during the growing season, you can water the Santa Rita prickly pear once every 2-3 weeks. However, it's crucial to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Before watering, check the soil moisture by sticking your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water.

In fall and winter, during the dormant season, you can reduce watering to once a month or even less frequently, depending on the climate and humidity levels. Remember, it's always better to underwater than to overwater this prickly pear cactus.

Light Requirements - Where to Place Your Opuntia Prickly Pear 

When growing it indoors, choose a south- or west-facing window that offers strong, direct sunlight for at least 4-6 hours a day. A sunroom or a spot with unobstructed, bright exposure will help the cactus retain its vibrant color and compact form.

When grown outdoors, place your Santa Rita Opuntia in a location that receives 4-6 hours of direct sun, especially morning and midday light.

While it prefers full sun, this cactus can also tolerate light afternoon shade in especially hot climates, which can help prevent sunburn or bleaching on the pads. Providing partial shelter during extreme heat waves may protect it from stress.

If the pads begin to stretch, lean, or turn pale green, it's likely not getting enough light. On the other hand, yellowing or scorched-looking pads may indicate excessive exposure during peak afternoon sun. Adjust placement accordingly to help your prickly pear stay vibrant and healthy year-round.

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs

The Opuntia Santa Rita favors very airy, sandy soil that drains well, and should be fertilized once a year in spring. Planting them in ordinary soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and most likely root rot. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally, use our specialized cactus potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your opuntia cactus to thrive.

When it comes to fertilizing your cactus plant, it only needs a small amount of fertilizer applied once a year in spring. Cacti prefer a fertilizer with lower doses of NPK, with a maximum ratio of 5-10-5 that is higher in phosphorus than nitrogen.

Hardiness Zone & More 

The Santa Rita prickly pear is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It is typically suited for USDA hardiness zones 7 - 11.

This means it can withstand temperatures as low as 15°F and can thrive in both hot and cold weather. 

The Opuntia Santa Rita prickly pear enjoys warm weather and can tolerate high temperatures up to 100°F or more. However, it's important to note that extreme heat combined with high humidity can be stressful for your Santa Rita plant. Therefore, providing some shade during the hottest part of the day in regions with scorching summers can help protect it.

Indoor Growing Opuntia Santa Rita Requirements 

When grown indoors, Opuntia Santa Rita prefers warm indoor temperatures between 65°F and 80°F, and it should be protected from cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F, which can stress the plant. While this cactus doesn’t require high humidity, in fact, it thrives in low-humidity environments, it's important to ensure good air circulation and avoid placing it near humidifiers or bathrooms.

If your home is particularly humid, make sure the soil dries out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. A bright, sunny window and dry indoor air make the perfect environment for Santa Rita to grow indoors successfully.

Wildlife - Opuntia Santa Rita Flowers Attract the Following Friendly Pollinators

The vibrant blooms of the Opuntia Santa Rita flowers are known to attract a variety of friendly pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These pollinators play a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping to fertilize plants and ensure their continued growth and reproduction.

Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Lady Bugs
Multi Pollinators
Other Birds

According to ASPCA, the Opuntia Santa Rita Prickly Pear is generally considered non-toxic to humans, pets, and livestock. While the spines and glochids (small, hair-like spines) can cause irritation and injury, the pads and fruit are safe for consumption.

How to Propagate Your Santa Rita Prickly Pear

To propagate your Santa Rita prickly pear, start by carefully removing healthy pad cuttings from the parent plant using clean, sharp shears. Allow the cut pad to callous over for a few days before planting it in well-draining soil and watering sparingly to avoid rot. With proper care and patience, your propagated Santa Rita prickly pear will establish roots and grow into a beautiful new plant.

Key Takeaways

  1. In late spring, this Opuntia cactus produces cheerful, bright yellow flowers, creating a striking contrast against its purple edible pads. The pads (nopales) and the vibrant fruits (prickly pears) are both edible when properly prepared.
  2. Once established, it needs very little attention—perfect for xeriscaping, container gardens, or as a bold architectural accent.
  3. Its upright, paddle-like growth creates a bold silhouette that stands out in rock gardens, minimalist landscapes, and modern desert designs.
  4. Its blossoms attract bees and other beneficial insects, adding ecological value to your garden.

The Bottom Line

Overall, the Opuntia Santa Rita Prickly Pear is a perfect choice. Its unique purple pads add bold color to any space, while its bright yellow spring blooms bring even more life to your garden or home. Whether you’re starting a drought-tolerant landscape, decorating a sunny patio, or adding a splash of color to a windowsill, this low-maintenance cactus delivers beauty year-round. Loved by collectors and beginners alike, the Santa Rita Prickly Pear is more than a plant—it’s a conversation piece that thrives with minimal effort.

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4.8 ★★★★★
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SciFi-Kaiju-Guy
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Ruthless, nail-biting action thriller from "Exorcist" director William Friedkin.
BOTTOM LINE: If you enjoy tension & suspense then you'll be hard-pressed to find a better experience than SORCERER. I loved it and feel it has a high replay value that offsets the discouraging lack of bonus features. 5 STARS THE STORY: Four shady criminals from various countries are on the run from trouble. Each eventually ends up in the desolate backwards village of Vera Cruz, deep in the South American jungle. Arriving there illegally, none of the strangers possess proper documentation with which to leave once the heat is off. They are trapped, and the only work in the village is at a nearby oil drilling site. When saboteurs blow the rig up the oil company must quickly put it out & recap the well, to maintain its profitability. The explosives needed to blow out the raging fire are stored at the company headquarters - some 200 miles away. Complicating matters further, the TNT has become dangerously unstable due to improper storage conditions, so it cannot be flown to the site but must instead be delivered overland by truck. Knowing the danger, the company agrees to pay $10,000 each for drivers willing to tackle the high risk job. Desperate to earn the much-needed money with which to buy their way to freedom, all four criminals volunteer. Though in essence a suicide mission, each man has no choice if he hopes to leave the village and get on with his life. Who will make it? THOUGHTS: Released a week after the first STAR WARS, and sadly lost in the shuffle, SORCERER is a terrific film. Maybe director William Friedkin's very best. Yes, it is a thinly-veiled re-working of the classic French thriller THE WAGES OF FEAR but don't let that deter you. In many ways Friedkin's adaption is superior. JAWS alumni Roy Scheider is terrific here as a seedy driver for a mob hit gone terribly wrong and the other actors are equally adept in their roles. SORCERER is beautifully photographed and tightly edited for maximum tension. Completely done practically and on actual locations, (being shot back before the advent of CGI and wirework), the action set pieces are among THE MOST intense & nerve-wracking I have EVER seen on film. Period. The rope bridge scene? Two words: Holy crap. I was literally on the edge of my seat throughout the entire sequence, my heart thumping and my hands clutching the arms of my chair in a death grip. If this scene doesn't make you break out in a cold sweat and get your pulse pounding then you might want to check with your doctor because you're probably dead. This sequence alone makes the purchase of SORCERER completely justified. I feel the first half of the film could have been tightened up some, as it spends the first 45 minutes or so setting everything up, but taking it for what it is it's worth the wait because the last half will have you gasping in disbelief, jumping in your seat and chewing your nails right down to the first knuckle. Simply great stuff. I only regret that I hadn't discovered SORCERER before now, but what a fantastic find. THE BLU-RAY: In a word... magnificent. The remaster for SORCERER is an audio & visual triumph. This is THE version to own. While sadly lacking in extras, the hi-def film transfer looks so impressive that I am more than willing to overlook the bonus shortcomings. The Blu comes packaged in a sort of mini book binding that sports a brief excerpt from William Friedkin's autobiography, detailing his work on the film and his feelings about its new lease on life with this Blu-ray. I've never been much of a fan of the director himself because he's always come across like a snobby, pompous, egotistical ass. Surprisingly, he acknowledges this fault and describes how it lead to his eventual downfall in Hollywood. But I cannot deny that he's made a few really good films during his career.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2016
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takethekman
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 5
A Perfect Film
It has been a long time since I have been so surprised by a film; I can remember hearing about it when I was a kid, but like so many others at the time, 'Star Wars' was my childhood obsession. That a being said, I also have to say that this movie is generally timeless; with the exception of the cars and the music sometimes(still an excellent score by Tangerine Dream...), there is nothing that falls to the side as 'dated'. The country the 4 men flee to is just miserable, and probably looks the same now as it did then...just behind the times in so many ways. The set up of the 4 men starts things off with bang--literally. The scenarios are very different for each individual, but each equally satisfying. There is an excellent church robbery scenario that rounds things off with Roy Scheider, which includes a trademark Friedkin vehicle sequence(which--like many other scenes in this film--comes with a surprising jolt and a direction you didn't see coming...). Each backdrop story could pretty much provide for a film of it's own. Scheider is excellent, and this film reminds me why I was always a big fan of his. That being said, the other acting is all just right on the money as well; you can feel both their desperation and sweat, and sympathize with every stumbling block they encounter along the way. From the corrupt cops to the bandits they meet on the road(a favorite scene of mine in any movie...), you are thrown generally everything in the book as far as a crime/thriller movie go. And in this case it is all successful. There were more than a dozen scenes that hold up to or outshine anything that has been put out in the last 10 years to me. It is a reminder of the skill behind this project across the board, and the booklet with the blu-ray is really enjoyable to read, especially after seeing the film, as it fills in some curious questions about how certain things were done, and the difficulties the production encountered. The look of the film is breathtaking at times; all of the camera shots of the landscapes, kids, animals, elderly soda vendors, and crowded village streets are very candid and realistic. While the plot is somewhat simple, the intensity and driving force behind the 4 men is unforgettable; and while they are all different in their ideals, beliefs, and character, they all manage to somehow come together by fate to carry out the one thing that could save them from a life of poverty or consequence by law. And everyone meets some kind of fate you don't see coming. I have always loved Friedkin's work, especially when he delves into the darker side of mankind; However, this is the 1st movie in quite some time that has jumped into my top 5 favorite movies. It again reminds me how people w/talent to burn make timeless work, period. I am so happy that Friedkin was able to get this released as he saw fit, and it truly is a gift to those who like him, the genre, the actors, and the feel of such a film... There is humor and philosophy throughout the film here and there as well; the screenplay is top notch, and the dialog is fascinating; it is one of the films you watch where you are never reminded it's a film. You get wrapped up in it, and do a lot of replaying certain sequences over and over. While the 'bridge scene' is the most famously known sequence in the film, there are countless others that are certainly equal, although the bridge scene is a pure nail biter(not to mention technical feat, as further explained in the booklet...). The use of sound is also pretty incredible, especially coupled with the visuals; from the sounds of several surprise explosions, to the sound of the knife blade being flipped out, this film uses sound as a performance of it's own; it supplies a huge/equal part of the overall canvass and to feeling like you are there in particular a situation, not to mention hearing things as they actually probably would be heard; the sound is never overdone for the situation, and always effective. The creaking wood and rushing water of the bridge scene is a great example. Also, while the dialog is considerably less than in most movies, it is always very well written, realistic, and just another positive strength; but even when there is no dialog, and just simply sound and the expressions on the characters faces, it more than serves the point trying to be made. The character hit-man Nilo has very few lines, yet his character and performance are equally strong as anyone's here. The small visual details work in the same way the sounds ones do, such as the soldier accepting a bribe by scraping the money to himself with a fly swatter, the bar tender wiping off Roy Schieder's silverwear on his own shirt before passing them to him, to the cop popping open a Coke bottle with the cocked barrel of his gun...all small examples of going that little extra bit to make something potentially average something more. And these types of moments and details are throughout the film. A favorite to me is in the church scene in the beginning of the film where the priest mentions to the happy couple something to the effect of 'not being obsessed with material things', and you can see the groom roll his eyes, all while his bride with the black eye stands next to him(they show a close-up of her when the priest say he hopes their marriage is filled with blessings, but she still didn't look too happy to be there...). Mr. Friedkin wanted this to be his 'magnum opus', and I think he well succeeded. It really does still outshine so many films and the people involved that exist nowadays; Like Stanley Kubrick and John Huston, I can see the obsessive side Friedkin had to create something unforgettable no matter how much time or money it took; it is quite a risk, and sadly one that doesn't always pay off; but it is an effort that is well appreciated, and something not as many filmmakers take on nowadays. As far as it being considered a remake, I would have to say this is no more a remake than something like Herzog's 'Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call, New Orleans' was of the original 'Bad Lieutenant' film; some of the story elements are similar, but a lot of those elements are taken to new and different places with all the people involved with the production; and while 'Sorcerer' gets it's story foundation from both a novel and a film, you can see them much more as an influence, and not the basis. It is more the taking of a loose idea and making it to all your own, not an imitation of it. I have watched this 6 times since it came out, and it still seems to expose a new layer or understanding each time, not to mention the brilliance of so many scenes that capture the moment spot-on. This film is pure genius to me, and the surprise release on blu-ray has made my month. It is a piece of work that warrants all the 5 star reviews it has gotten, and Mr. Friedkin should be more than proud of this piece of work. I hope it reaches the full audience it deserves now, esp in the blu-ray format. I think it will.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2014
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Justin G
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
The finest hour of William Friedkin
William Friedkin was undoubtedly one of the 1970s greatest and most influential directors. He only made 3 pictures during the decade, but all are landmark films. The first was The French Connection (1971), the film that won him his best director Oscar & the film won best picture. His next film, The Exorcist (1973) is probably his most famous/infamous & and it’s the only movie that’s still a truly terrifying experience, something to endure as much as to watch almost lol. Sorcerer (1977) was his 3rd and final film of the decade, and in spite of or perhaps even because of how it was a largely forgotten film for so long (after seeing it on cable nearly 30 years ago, it was a movie I simply could not track down until the release of this Blu-Ray) I really think in so many ways it ranks right along aside his first two 70s classics, and perhaps even surpasses those films in terms of pure audacity. The rope bridge scene is as intense as a set piece gets and is worth the price of admission all on its own, but the film as a whole is a clinic in lean, economical filmmaking. And the score by Tangerine Dream kicks serious a**. It might be because of his 70s trifecta Sorcerer is the only one that is still almost sort of like a “new film” too me, as I’ve only watched it maybe 3-4 times and have seen the other 2 dozens of times, but for my money Sorcerer is master filmmaker William Friedkin at the absolute peak of his powers. MD2020 gives “Sorcerer” 5 out of 5 ⭐️s and says it’s a flawless action film and Friedkins best work.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2024
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cookieman108
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 4
A stylish, intimate remake of a French Classic
William Friedkin (The French Connection) brings us exotic locations and gripping story in Sorcerer, a remake of Henri-Georges Clouzot's 1953 thriller Wages of Fear. The first hour of this movie seems to be comprised of random events involving four individuals that have absolutely nothing to do with each other. The only commonality is that they are all men of dubious character. Probably the most recognizable actor in this film is Roy Schieder, who plays a low level New York gangster participate in a robbery that goes bad, and forces him to flee the country due to the fact he managed to step on some pretty well connected toes. The second man, a French businessman, escapes from the threat of prosecution due to some shady business dealings. The third man, a Middle Eastern terrorist flees his captors after being caught participating in a bombing, and the fourth man is a shady assassin type apparently on the run from repercussion from his last hit. The key is all four men end up in a South American rat-infested stink hole of a town called Vera Cruz. After awhile, they find their sanctuary has become more of a prison and all begin a desperate search for a way out, but that involves money, a commodity that's in short supply, with the only work available in the area is provided by an oil company that runs a well and is building a pipeline for the bubbling crude. Dangerous work, and the pay is so low that it would take years to earn enough to leave. Salvation for the men comes in a catastrophic disaster, an explosion damaging the well and causing the oil to burn. The only way to close the well proper for repairs is to blow it up, and the only explosives available are 200 miles away. Turns out the explosives, sticks of nitro, haven't been tended very well, and, in turn, are highly unstable. The company decides to hire four men to drive two trucks to carry the dangerous materials through 200 miles of dangerous jungle, including prehistoric rope and wood bridges, treacherous mountain passes, deadly bandits and swampy roads laden with fallen trees. The suicide mission draws the four men, as the money would allow them to escape the oppressive town. The most intense scenes for me involved the men trying to traverse a rickety, rotting wooden rope suspension bridge over a raging river during a heavy rainstorm. There were times when the truck on the bridge was at such an angle, I thought it would flip right off. And all the actors performed most all their own stunts, adding to the realism of the movie. Do they make it? See the movie and find out. I especially liked the very end. A very nice touch that reminded me of an ending of a certain Alfred Hitchcock movie. Which one? I won't say, as it would give it away. The movie runs just under two hours, and I would highly recommend it to anyone. Friedkin and the actors do a wonderful job in developing tensions between the characters and the environment and the between the characters themselves. The pacing is a bit slow, but it's deliberate, cranking the suspense up, notch by grueling notch. There are sparse special features, including pretty thorough productions notes and a trailer. If you enjoy thrilling adventure, you will most likely like this movie. I would have happily given this movie five stars but it is only available in the full screen format. Something I didn't understand is the title for the movie. I wasn't able to figure out what it had to do with the movie.... Cookieman108
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Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2003
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Todd7
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Forgotten Classic
Sorcerer (1977) is, for the most part, a forgotten classic. First the forgotten: this film got kicked around by moviegoers when first released, probably because the title is misleading (nothing to do with fantasy), and they probably weren't in the mood for this film due to the sudden stratospheric success of another film that debuted at the same time (Star Wars). With Star Wars cementing the advent of the summer blockbuster, suddenly moviegoers wanted stuff more on the surface and eye candy for good measure. As a result, Sorcerer never got its footing, and was a major box office failure. If this film had debuted just a few years earlier, it would've done well, because it would've fit in with the other films of the time. The truth is that Sorcerer is an adaptation (not a remake) of The Wages of Fear from 1953. Now the classic: Sorcerer has since generated the respect it deserves, and is one of the best films of the 1970's. This film has it all: action, suspense, breathtaking and iconic scenes (the bridge scene being one), organic acting and a sort of 'raw' feel in terms of a lot of the settings; dwellings are dilapidated, and the machinery rusty. Even the actors are dirty, sweaty, and have visible wounds throughout the film. I particularly like the restraint on the dialogue, as Friedkin chooses to tell the story more in a visual sense. I also like the uniqueness of the characters being kept at a distance from the audience; this makes them sort of mysterious and seems to work in this film. This film was a very ambitious project, one that has been rewarded with the passage of time (thankfully). The care that went into many scenes and accompanying special effects are obvious, and first rate. Overall, Sorcerer is a must-see. This blu ray has excellent picture and sound quality, so it was worth the wait in that regard. One last thing: it's extremely rare for a blu ray disc to not include any special features; in the case of Sorcerer, it's unfortunately true. Perhaps this fact tells us just how much of a beating this film took over the years. I guess we should feel grateful that it has even made it onto blu ray.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2017

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