About
Edible egg-shaped fruits ripening to red-pink follow the flowers. A tree-like shrubby cactus commonly known as prickly pear, with spiny, flat, green paddle-shaped stem segments and orange to red flowers appearing in April or May and blooming over a long period. Easy to grow in pots and drought-tolerant once established.
About the genus
Opuntia can be creeping, bushy or tree-like cacti, usually with flattened, pad-like stem segments bearing spines and barbed bristles, and with funnel-shaped flowers followed by spiny, fleshy fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Fruit Edible
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants
Native tonorthern South America
ToxicitySkin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Skin/eye irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in sharply-draining, peat-free, loam-based compost with added sharp sand, or a proprietary peat-free cactus compost. Provide full light at all times and allow compost to dry before watering during growth period in spring, summer and early autumn and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser three or four times. Withhold water and fertiliser in winter when dormant. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in spring. Sow after pre-soaking and keep at 21°C for germination. Root stem segments in summer. Handle segments with folded newspaper to avoid touching spines
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insect and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free although in poorly drained, or wet soil, can be susceptible to root rots