Prickly Pear Cactus

Prickly Pear Cactus

Opuntia spp.

Description

Ground-covering to tree-like cacti with usually pad-like and flattened, segmented branches armed with tufts of spines (including barbed ones), solitary yellow, red or purple flowers in spring or summer, followed by usually spiny, egg-shaped or rounded fruits. Indoor specimens need VERY bright light to full sun and water thoroughly when soil has become dry to the touch, with little or no watering during the winter months. NOTE: The spines can be very irritating and hard to remove so wear protective gloves when handling.

Care

Bloom Season

Spring-summer

Light

Full sun

Water

Water every 2-3 weeks or when dry

Pruning needs

Prune only for shape or size

Time of year to plant

Spring-summer

Soil type

Sandy, well-draining soil

Height & Width

12 in. up to 6-7 ft.