About
Opuntia polyacantha, the many-spined prickly pear, is a spreading, low-growing cactus reaching up to 2 m across, forming low mats of pad-like stem segments up to 40 cm tall. Solitary, yellow or magenta flowers up to 7.5 cm across are borne in summer at the ends of stem segments. One of the hardier prickly pears for a sunny, very well-drained border in a mild garden.
About the genus
Opuntia are creeping, bushy or tree-like cacti with flattened, pad-like stem segments bearing spines and barbed bristles, and funnel-shaped flowers followed by spiny, fleshy fruits. Grown in sunny, well-drained positions in frost-free gardens and heated greenhouses.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Houseplants
Native toCanada USA Mexico
ToxicitySkin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 11891,opuntia-stenopetala,Opuntia stenopetala,,Opuntia stenopetala is a bushy to tree-like prickly pear producing flat
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 or root stem segments in summer. Handle segments with folded newspaper to avoid touching spines
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free although in poorly drained, or wet soil, can be susceptible to root rots