A beauty and a beast, theprickly pear(Opuntia spp.)
is beloved for its blossoms and feared for its vicious spines.
It is also a good plant forerosion controland is deer-resistant thanks to its natural defense system.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
This growth habit is what causes the plant to be considered invasive in some regions.
Place your cactus in the hole so that it sits at the same height it sat in the pot.
Backfill with soil and water lightly to settle soil around the roots.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Check your variety for optimal spacing, but most types should be planted two or three feet apart.
The seeds will need to becold-stratifiedindoors for 4 or 5 weeks before they can be planted.
Both drought- and heat-tolerant, this long-lived succulent plant tolerates sandy, rocky soil, and seaside planting places.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Prickly pear cacti need very little water (which makes them excellent for xeriscaping).
In fact, in many areas, they can survive on rainwater alone.
The fleshy pads of the cactus may shrivel or droop in the winter but dont fret.
Credit: Amy Haskell
Older, more established plants can do with a 0-10-10 fertilizer if you want to encourage flowers and fruit.
To improve pad production, opt for a high-nitrogen fertilizer and follow product manufacturer’s directions.
Tip:When handling prickly pear cactus, standard garden gloves won’t cut it.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Look for thick, leather gloves or those made specifically for handling cacti.
Potting and Repotting Prickly Pear Cactus
Prickly pear cacti are popular container plants.
Choose an area with bright, direct light and consistently warm temperaturespreferably asouth- or west-facing window.
Be sure to discard any excess water that drains from the plant.
If the cactus becomes rootbound, you’re free to repot it in late spring or early summer.
Do not tamp the soil down and do not water it right away.
Allow the roots to reestablish themselves for about a week in the new pot before giving it a drink.
Also, despite being sun-loving plants, prickly pear cacti can develop sunburn in the harshest landscapes.
If this happens, the plant or its fruits may turn yellow and develop scars.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Here’s how to do it.
Types of Prickly Pear Cactus
Prickly Pear
Opuntia compressa,also calledO.
humifisa,is a North American species that offers golden-yellow flowers in summer.
Credit: Denny Schrock
The red fruits are edible.
It grows 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide.
It grows 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide.
Cheery yellow flowers appear in early summer.
It grows 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide.
It grows 3 feet tall and 6 feet wide.
Xeriscape-friendly companions for prickly pear cacti includeAgastache, Agave,big bluestem,gaillardia, andpurple coneflower.
Check with your local cooperative extension service or gardening center to learn more about low-water plants for your region.
It features sunny, yellow flowers that resemble small daisies and needle-like, evergreen foliage.
It is also heat-resistant and drought-tolerant making it a great companion for prickly pear cacti.
Avoid heavy clay and wet locations.
The evergreen foliage is thin like an ornamental grass and has a pleasing fine texture year-round.
Sotol grows best in full sun and gravelly, sandy soil.
Cacti, however, typically have few if any leaves.
Use a pair of fine-point tweezers to pluck out larger spines.
Then, wash the area with soap and water to help prevent irritation or infection.
“Field Guide for Managing Prickly Pear in the Southwest.”
United States Department of Agriculture, 2017
“Eastern Prickly Pear(Opuntia humifusa).”
