Growing Prickly Pear Cactus In Containers

Indoors prickly pears need a brightly lit position, preferably a south-facing or west-facing aspect or grown in a conservatory or heated greenhouse with good, all-round light. They need 4-6 hours of direct sunshine in summer. They are not cold or frost hardy, but can be moved outside to a warm, sunny patio in summer.

What do you do with prickly pear cactus in the winter?

Like most cactus varieties, prickly pear prefers a lot of light. Established plans can tolerate heavy sun exposure and hot temperatures during the peak season. In the cooler months and winter, they are just fine indoors with bright indirect light from a window.

How do you take care of a potted prickly pear?

Like all cacti, the prickly pear needs dry conditions, well-draining soil, and lots of sunlight to thrive. Make sure they are getting the sunniest, driest spot in your garden when planting outdoors. "If you're growing your plant indoors, make sure your pot has holes in the bottom for drainage," Churchill says.

How long does it take for a prickly pear cactus to bear fruit?

Plant Type:	Herbaceous fruiting perennial	Flower/Foliage Color:
Bloom Time/Season:	Spring-summer	Soil Type:
Exposure:	Full sun	Soil pH:
Time to Maturity:	3-4 years	Soil Drainage:
Planting Depth:	1/8 inch (seeds), 2 inches (transplants)	Attracts:

How often do you water potted prickly pears?

Prickly pears are extremely drought tolerant. Don't water newly propagated pads for the first month. After that, water every two to four weeks for the first year — twice a month in summer and once a month other times of the year. In most areas, rainfall will be enough to sustain established plants.

What month do prickly pear cactus bloom?

The prickly pear has bright yellow flowers that are 2 to 3 inches in diameter and sometimes have a red center. These flowers bloom May to July. The cactus' thick, green, flattened pads are covered with needle-like spines. It grows to 6 inches tall.

How cold is too cold for potted cactus?

They can take temperatures from 45°F to 85°F without complaint as long as they are dry. There are even cacti that survive outside all year long in Canada and Alaska. Succulents don't care for stuffy environments, especially when they are wet. Keep plants well separated and give them plenty of air.

Why is prickly pear a problem?

These invasive cacti impact on Australia's environmental, agricultural and aesthetic values. The spines are capable of causing serious injury to humans, stock and native animals. Large stands of cacti can harbour feral animals, limiting access for stock mustering and recreational activities.

What is the best potting mix for prickly pear?

For growing prickly pear cactus in a container, use succulent potting mix or any regular potting mix that doesn't retain moisture. Make your potting mix for prickly pear by mixing 1/3 part each of compost, soil, and coarse sand or perlite.

What does an overwatered prickly pear look like?

Prickly pear turns yellow due to overwatering, insufficient sunlight, or pests. Prickly pear does not require much water, and excess water leads to root anoxia and root rot.

How do you know when a prickly pear needs water?

The best way to check if your cactus needs water is to use an inexpensive moisture gauge, or by touch. The soil should be completely bone dry before adding more. If the meter reads dry (at 1 on the scale), or you don't feel any moisture when you stick your finger down at least 2”, then it's time for a drink.

Do potted cactus need full sun?

Cacti and succulents thrive with good light sources, and it is best to place cacti and succulents in a bright place. A south facing position will provide good sunlight. However, be careful to not put them in direct sunlight because the intense light can make the plants turn a yellow colour.

What is the lifespan of a prickly pear cactus?

They are known to live well over 20 years. There are several different varieties of prickly pear cactus each growing to different sizes. The most common species in the Sonoran Desert is the Engelmann prickly pear which grows up to 5 feet tall and can grow to a width of 10-15 feet.

Can prickly pear survive winter?

Eastern prickly pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa) is a cold-hardy cactus native to the Eastern United States. It's hardy to zone 4 (-30 F), which means almost anyone can grow prickly pear fruits at home (even outside the desert).

Can you eat prickly pear right off the cactus?

The cactus fruit, sometimes called a "Prickly Pears" are very sweet and can be eaten raw, right off of the plant.

Can you overwater a prickly pear cactus?

Overwatering. Overwatering a prickly pear is an easy mistake to make because cacti require far less water than most people might expect. Overwatering can lead to root rot and to scab, which appears as rusty-colored, corky areas on the stems. Cacti should be allowed to dry out completely between watering.

Do prickly pears have deep roots?

Most pricklypear have roots that spread widely just below the soil surface. This allows them to absorb water that has percolated only through the upper part of the soil after a brief desert rain, or to take advantage of water that runs off the plant itself.

Where is the best place to plant prickly pear cactus?

Prickly pear grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Clay soil or slow-draining soil is problematic in cool regions where prickly pear will suffer in moist soil during the winter months. Both drought- and heat-tolerant, this long-lived succulent plant tolerates sandy, rocky soil, and seaside planting places.

Is prickly pear a succulent or cactus?

Prickly pears (Opuntia species) are succulent perennials that invade rangeland and native vegetation in the drier parts of South Australia. Wheel cactus (Opuntia robusta) and common prickly pear (Opuntia stricta) are the most prominent species.

Do prickly pears spread?

Vegetative reproduction from detached pads is the most common method by which prickly pear is spread. Hard rains, high winds, or passing animals may cause stem segments (pads) to break off, whereby each segment can root and propagate a new plant.