Cactaceae
Ora-pro-nobis: Perfect Plant for Beginners
Pereskia aculeata
An extremely hardy and easy-to-grow plant. It prefers full sun and regular watering, adapting well to various soil types as long as they are well-drained.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
10° - 35°C
40% - 70%
About Ora-pro-nobis
Pereskia aculeata, popularly known as Ora-pro-nobis, is a unique climbing cactus that features true, succulent leaves. Native to Brazil, it is renowned as a superfood, containing high levels of protein, iron, and fiber. Its flowers are white and fragrant, attracting pollinators, and its branches have thorns that make it excellent for living fences.
Care Guide
How to Water
Water whenever the soil surface is dry. Although it is a cactus, its leaves indicate thirst when they begin to wilt slightly.
Lighting
For vigorous growth and flowering, keep it in full sun. Indoors, place it near very bright windows.
Ideal Soil
It thrives in soil rich in organic matter but is very tolerant of poor soils, provided they do not become waterlogged.
Recommended Pot
Large pots with drainage holes or direct planting in the ground alongside supports such as trellises or walls.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Rotate
Every 15 days
Repot
Every 365 days
How to Propagate
Stem cutting
- Remove the leaves from the lower part that will be buried
- Be careful with the thorns when handling the plant
- 1 Cutting the Stem
Cut a healthy, mature branch about 20 cm long.
- 2 Callusing
Let the cutting rest in a shaded spot for 24 hours so the cut can callus over.
- 3 Planting
Insert the base of the cutting into a light substrate and keep it slightly moist until new shoots appear.
Materials needed:
Characteristics
Max height
10.0m
Spread
3.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Plant Uses
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal Uses
Combating anemiaDigestive system supportAnti-inflammatory actionStrengthening the immune system
Culinary Uses
Sautéed leavesEnriched breads and pastasSaladsFruit jam
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Common Problems
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents resilience and divine providence, linked to the tradition of being harvested in churchyards during sermons.