Prickly Pear
Opuntia ficus-indica
Iconic paddle-shaped cactus with flat oval segments that stack as the plant grows. In warm conditions, it produces showy yellow flowers followed by edible red fruit. Very architectural on a bright windowsill.
Best rooms for prickly pear
Light requirements
Thrives on a sunny windowsill with several hours of direct sunlight.
How to care for prickly pear
Full direct sunlight. Water every 2-3 weeks in summer, letting the compost dry completely between waterings. No water at all in winter. Use very gritty cactus compost. Feed once or twice in summer. Handle with thick gloves or tongs. Minimum 5°C.
Watering
Let the compost dry out completely between waterings. Roughly every 2–4 weeks.
Propagation
- Remove a pad, callus for 3-5 days, then plant in dry compost
Toxicity
This plant is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
Common problems
- Soft rotting pads from overwatering
- Etiolation in low light
- Glochid spines embedding in skin
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