Prickly Pear Cactus Care Guide
Family: Cactaceae
Genus: Opuntia
Botanical Name: Opuntia compressa or humifusa
Durability: Easy to care for
Light
Your prickly pear cactus will need at least six hours of full sun to survive. They love a south (or west-facing) window.
Water
During the growing season, water your cactus when the topsoil is dry. In the dormant months (winter and fall), allow the soil to almost dry out completely before watering. Generally, this will be once every two to three weeks.
Climate
If you’re keeping your prickly pear inside, be sure to keep them away from heat, fans and air units or vents. Other than that, these guys can easily survive in most household temperatures as long as they’re on the warmer side.
Soil
Plant your prickly friend in a dry, gravelly or sandy well-draining soil that will prevent their roots from sitting in water. Plants kept indoors will also need to be fertilized more often because they use up nutrients much faster.
Pests and Diseases
Prickly pear cacti are prone to spot infections, anthracnose, cochineal scale, and mealybugs.
Tips
If you’re propagating pads from your prickly pear, don’t water them for the first month!
Your prickly pear wants all the light and heat it can get in the summer (a healthy amount of course)!
Rotate your cactus periodically to ensure the whole plant is receiving a good amount of sunlight.
Signs your cactus isn’t happy
Turning squishy and brown: over watered
Looking pale: under watered
Shriveling: under watered
How to propagate
Before you start taking cuttings from your prickly pear cactus, be sure to wear thick gloves and use a sharp, sterile knife. Choose a healthy section of the cactus and cut it at its natural seam at the bottom of the pad. Set the cutting in bright sunlight and leave it for a few days until the end has begun to callous.
Prepare a pot with a damp cactus soil and sand mixture, and then place your cutting (calloused end down) deep enough into the soil where it can stand up on its own. Keep your cutting in a bright window. You shouldn’t water your cutting until you start to notice growth.
Fun Facts
These guys bloom pink and yellow flowers anywhere from June to July.
They can live up to 20 years!
Their sap has medicinal qualities similar to aloe vera gel.
Their fruits can be used to make jam or jellies
Hardiness Zones
If you’re thinking about planting your friend outside, be sure to check your areas hardiness zone first! This will save you a lot of time and grief, and the potential loss of a plant.
The hardiness zones prickly pear cacti are : 4-9
If you live in Tennessee, here’s a hardiness map to help you decide if your plant can survive outside!
