Prickly pear cactus, as with most prickly pears, is instantly recognizable as a cactus by its flat pads, although some have cylindrical segments. They are often lightly spined, but make up for this apparent lack of self-defense through abundant quantities of innocent-looking tufts of glochids -- fishhook-like prickles that break off and stay in the finger.
They rarely bloom indoors, but their large yellow, purple, red, or orange flowers are very attractive. Pads can be broken off and rooted at any time of year.
Prickly Pear Cactus Quick Facts:
Scientific Name: Opuntia species
Common Names: Prickly Pear, Bunny Ears, Beaver Tail Cactus
Light Requirement for Prickly Pear Cactus: Full Sun
Water Requirement for Prickly Pear Cactus: Drench, Let Dry
Humidity for Prickly Pear Cactus: Average Home
Temperature for Prickly Pear Cactus: House to Cold
Fertilizer for Prickly Pear Cactus: High Phosphorus
Potting Mix for Prickly Pear Cactus: Cactus
Propagation of Prickly Pear Cactus: Seed, Stem Cuttings
Decorative Use for Prickly Pear Cactus: Floor, Table
Care Rating for Prickly Pear Cactus: Very Easy
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Larry Hodgson is a full time garden writer working out of Quebec City in the heart of French Canada where he grows well over 3,000 species and varieties. His book credits include Making the Most of Shade, The Garden Lovers Guide to Canada, Perennials for Every Purpose, Annuals for Every Purpose, Houseplants for Dummies, and Ortho’s Complete Guide to Houseplants, as well as other titles in English and French. He’s the winner of the Perennial Plant Association’s 2006 Garden Media Award.
