Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica)
Opuntia ficus-indica, the Prickly Pear Cactus, is a drought-tolerant succulent shrub with flattened, paddle-like stems. It produces vibrant flowers and edible fruits, wid
Above information is sourced from Wikipedia
Sunlight
Full sun; at least 6 hours direct sunlight daily.
Watering
Infrequent, deep watering; allow soil to dry completely.
Soil
Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil; tolerant of poor soils.
Temperature
Warm temperatures; protect from frost.
Habitat
Outdoor, Greenhouse
Fertilizer
Lightly during growing season with low-nitrogen fertilizer.
Care Requirements
Full sun; at least 6 hours direct sunlight daily.
Infrequent, deep watering; allow soil to dry completely.
Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil; tolerant of poor soils.
Warm temperatures; protect from frost.
Outdoor, Greenhouse
Lightly during growing season with low-nitrogen fertilizer.
Plant Overview
Plant Type
Succulent, Shrub
Plant Category
Fruit, Ornamental, Medicinal
Plant Place Type
Ground, Garden, Pot
Plant Environment
Outdoor, Greenhouse
Lifespan
Perennials
Plant Height
2-5 m
Spread
1.5-3 m
Growth Rate
Moderate to Fast
Dormancy
Winter dormancy possible
Leaf Color
Green, Blue-green
Flower Size
5-10 cm
Optimal Sunlight Lux
60000
Weed Status
Yes
Image Gallery
- kingdomPlantae
- divisionTracheophyta
- classMagnoliopsida
- orderCaryophyllales
- familyCactaceae
- genusOpuntia
- speciesOpuntia ficus-indica
Toxic for humans
No
Rating: 0/5
Toxic for pets
No
Rating: 0/5
Edible
Yes
Not toxic, but glochids (tiny barbed spines) can cause skin irritation and discomfort if handled without protection.