Prickly pear

Opuntia ficus-indica · Succulent

A tough cactus with flat, paddle-shaped pads, bright yellow flowers and edible fruit. Besides the larger spines, the pads carry tiny barbed bristles (glochids) that lodge in skin, so it needs careful handling and a spot away from paths.

Care at a glance

Light

Full sun, 6–8+ hours

Water

Deeply every 2–4 weeks in summer; none in a cool winter

Soil

Sandy, gritty, very well-drained; pH 6.0–8.0

Temperature

Best 70–100 °F; many types hardy to 20 °F if kept dry

Spacing

3–6 ft apart; keep 3 ft from walkways

Container

Wide, heavy terracotta pot; 5+ gallons for a young plant

Bloom/Harvest

Flowers in late spring, fruit in late summer (estimated)

Lifespan

20+ years (estimated)

When?

Plant or start pads in late spring and early summer, when the soil is warm and dry.

Step by step

1. Handle with thick leather gloves, tongs or folded newspaper; glochids are hard to remove from skin.
2. To start a new plant, cut a pad at the joint and let the cut dry for 1–2 weeks.
3. Set the callused pad upright, one third deep, in dry cactus mix.
4. Wait 2–3 weeks before the first watering, until new roots form.
5. Water deeply in summer only when the soil is fully dry; keep dry in winter.
6. Feed once in spring with a low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer.
7. Pick ripe fruit with tongs and rub or burn off the bristles before peeling.

Common problems

Pets

Not listed as toxic, but spines and glochids can injure a pet's mouth, paws and skin. If in doubt, ask your vet.

Related tools

Similar plants