Prickly Pear Cactus

Opuntia, commonly called Prickly Pear Cactus, are native throughout the Americas and have naturalized throughout the world. It’s a slow grower and depending on the variety can be either 1 foot tall to 7 feet tall. It has large flat pear shaped stems and spines on the pads. It gets the name Prickly Pear from the spine covered pear-shaped pads. It is a beautiful cactus and the variegated variety is particularly unique.

Shown: Opuntia cochenillifera variegata

AKA: Paddle Cactus, Nopal Cactus

Light: Bright indirect to direct light. South or west window.

Watering: A drought tolerant plant, the prickly pear needs little water. Water slowly and evenly until water comes out of the drainage holes; discard excess. Don’t soak the soil. Water maybe every 2-3 weeks and less frequently during winter.

Humidity: Average home humidity to dry air.

Toxicity: Non-toxic to cats, dogs and humans. It is an edible plant.

Potting Mix: Loose, fast draining and fast drying.

Additional Care: Most often cause of death is overwatering. Depending on size, use tongs, gloves, wadded up newspaper or blankets to move/repot.