<em>Opuntia</em>, prickly pear cactus: planting, cultivation and care

Description and botany

Opuntia include nearly 200 species of cactus, generally shrubby and made up of flattened, spiny segments in a prickly pear pad shape… hence common name Prickly pear cactus! These are succulent plants (fleshy plants): they store water and mineral nutrients in their swollen stems, enabling them to withstand drought. The best known and most cultivated Opuntia is the prickly pear, Opuntia ficus-indica. Different Opuntia species and varieties are not always easy to identify, as some look very similar.

Opuntia are cacti: they belong to family Cactaceae, which includes more than 2,200 species. These are plants adapted to drought, with thick tissues that store water and mineral reserves. Cacti generally bear numerous thorns and produce large, attractive flowers. They often take unusual forms and favour hot, dry climates. Cacti are sometimes confused with other succulent plants that resemble them, such as euphorbias or crassulas.

Cacti of genus Cylindropuntia are very close to Opuntia: they were formerly placed in same genus. They were split because Opuntia generally have flattened stems in pads, whereas Cylindropuntia bear cylindrical stems.

Opuntia vulgaris: botanical plate

Like almost all cacti, Opuntia originate from the Americas. They occur from United States down to Argentina. Mexico hosts very high Opuntia diversity and is native land of prickly pear. Because it is widely cultivated, prickly pear has naturalised in several parts of world, notably around Mediterranean basin. Fruits are eaten in various ways in Mexico; a fermented drink called colonche is even made from them.

Opuntia grow mainly in arid regions, which is why they are drought-tolerant. In wild, some species grow on plains while others occur at altitude in mountains (some up to 4,000–5,000 m!). This probably explains wide range of hardiness: some species are frost-tender while others withstand down to -20°C.

Name Opuntia comes from ancient Greek town Oponte. Specific epithet ficus-indica means “fig of India” because it was brought from America by Columbus, who thought he had reached India. Name Figuier de Barbarie (prickly pear) was given because it was widely eaten and cultivated in Maghreb, in Berber regions. It is also called nopal in Mexico. In English it is known as prickly pear cactus. In French one also finds name Poire-Cactus, probably due to pear-shaped fruit.

Opuntia are generally characterised by a succession of flat, ovate and fleshy cladodes, more commonly called “prickly pear pads”. These are in fact modified stems that have swollen and flattened.

Some Opuntia have a quite different habit: instead of forming pads they take a shrubby form made of many long, thin, very ramified stems. This is the case for Opuntia leptocaulis, O. versicolor, O. spinosior… They resemble small leafless trees with only thorny branches.

Opuntia grow fairly rapidly and usually adopt a fairly spreading habit. Opuntia ficus-indica can reach 4 metres in diameter and 6–7 metres in height. It is however uncommon for it to reach such dimensions in garden! Some Opuntia form true trees, such as Opuntia echios, which develops an impressive trunk! Conversely, dwarf Opuntia exist, such as Opuntia clavarioides or Opuntia compressa, which do not exceed 30 cm in height. Opuntia may be upright, shrubby, or spreading along ground.

Opuntia flower in spring or summer. Depending on variety, flowering occurs between May and September. In warm climates, flowers may appear throughout year.

Opuntia flowers are very pretty and are fairly typical of cactus blooms. They are large, solitary, regular in form with central symmetry. Flowers of prickly pear, Opuntia ficus-indica, measure between 5 and 10 cm in diameter. Flowers are generally smaller in other species. Flowers are bisexual, bearing both stamens and pistils.

Flowers are composed of numerous coloured tepals and smaller green outer tepals. Flower also includes a hypanthium: a floral receptacle that encloses inferior ovary and bears bases of tepals and stamens. Tepals and stamens are inserted in a spiralled arrangement. At centre, among petals, flower bears very many stamens.

Flowers display warm, vivid tones: they can be yellow, orange, red or pink. Those of Opuntia ficus-indica are yellow or orange.

Flowering of Opuntia ficus-indica (photo Alvesgaspar), Opuntia phaeacantha (photo Anton Croos – art-of-photography-com.blogspot.com) and Opuntia phaecantha ‘Mojavensis’

Opuntia consist of a succession of cladodes, often called “prickly pear pads”. They are generally ovate and flattened, yet thick and fleshy. Colour is usually green or blue-green, sometimes slightly greyish. These are in fact modified stems that have thickened and flattened, and their thorns are modified leaves.

Pads can be very large, as in Opuntia robusta. They are elongated in Opuntia engelmannii var. linguiformis.

Opuntia pads bear white areoles (small cushions). These areoles carry both tufts of tiny prickles resembling hairs, called glochidia, and some long, large thorns. Glochidia can easily detach from plant and stick into skin on contact.

Opuntia thorns are fairly large and can reach up to 2 cm in length. Some Opuntia lack thorns entirely. Others, on the contrary, are densely covered, such as Opuntia erinacea var. ursina. Thorns may form a whitish down covering the cladodes, giving plant a pilous appearance.

As with most cacti, Opuntia have replaced leaves with thorns. Leaves cause water loss through stomata (pores in leaf epidermis). By eliminating them, plant becomes more drought-resistant. Thorns provide protection against herbivores. In wild, thorns also collect morning dew, which condenses on them and provides a little water to plant. Likewise, for Opuntia with very many thorns, such as Opuntia erinacea var. ursina, thorns protect from scorching sun by providing some shade to plant.

Prickly pear, Opuntia ficus-indica, is renowned for its edible fruits. Fruits appear on upper edge of pads, usually on margin, and ripen late summer (between July and September). They are berries, yellow, orange or purplish, and oval in shape. They measure between 4 and 10 cm in length. They bear small spines so must be peeled before eating. Flesh is sweet and contains small black seeds. Fruit is rich in fibre, vitamin C and magnesium. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

In wild, fruits are eaten by many animals inhabiting arid environments. By consuming them, animals disperse seeds.

Fruits of Opuntia stricta (photo Peripitus) and Opuntia ficus-indica

Main species and varieties of Opuntia

Most popular varieties

Our favourite varieties

Other varieties to discover

Opuntia engelmannii var. rastrera - Prickly Pear

This Opuntia is formed of glaucous green prickly pears bearing long thorns. It is compact, lower than other species, forming a very spreading, almost creeping habit. It has the advantage of being very hardy, tolerating down to −20 °C!

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 60 cm

See the product sheet

Opuntia compressa Millevaches - Prickly Pear

This is a dwarf Opuntia with a very low, spreading habit. Its prickly pears are rounded and bear no thorns. It also produces yellow flowers in spring and is fairly hardy.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 30 cm

See the product sheet

Opuntia phaeacantha Mojavensis - Prickly Pear

This is a rather large, imposing Opuntia made up of grey-blue prickly pears punctate with numerous long thorns. It also produces yellow flowers in spring followed by edible fruits. It is vigorous and hardy, able to withstand down to −20 °C.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the product sheet

Opuntia microdasys - Prickly Pear

This Opuntia has its prickly pears covered with numerous white small cushions (where thorns are inserted), giving the plant a silky, softer appearance than other species. The prickly pears are also beautifully rounded and a superb bright green, softened by the white of the small cushions (glochidia).

• Flowering time July, August
• Height at maturity 60 cm

See the product sheet

Opuntia engelmannii var. alta - Prickly Pear

This variety is robust and hardy. It forms a handsome bush of ovate, thorny prickly pears of grey-green colour, and bears orange-yellow flowers in spring.

• Flowering time June to August
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the product sheet

Opuntia engelmannii var. indheimeri - Prickly Pear

This is a large Opuntia composed of beautiful, well-rounded grey-blue prickly pears. It also produces orange-red flowers that will give way to edible fruits.

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the product sheet

Opuntia engelmannii var. linguiformis - Prickly Pear

This Opuntia is notable for the shape of its prickly pears, which are very elongated and tend to be thinner and curved at the tip. They take the form of upright tongues reaching towards the sky. This species is fairly hardy.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the product sheet

Opuntia anacantha - Prickly Pear

This Opuntia is made up of rather thin, elongated prickly pears, light green in colour and sometimes marked with purple spots. It bears yellow flowers in spring.

• Flowering time July, August
• Height at maturity 80 cm

See the product sheet

Planting

Where to plant?

As it is a cactus, a plant that enjoys heat, we recommend planting Opuntia in full sun! It is important it receives excellent light. Opuntia need a sunny spot to flower. This also helps them to grow well and to produce fruit. You can also place it against a south-facing wall. We also recommend choosing a spot sheltered from cold winds.

Opuntia is particularly suited to seaside gardens and to growing in a mild climate, for example in Mediterranean areas. If you live in a cold region, you can grow prickly pear in a pot so you can bring it inside easily in winter. However, some Opuntia species are particularly hardy and can grow in cool climates. Where possible, it is always preferable to plant Opuntia in the ground. It will enjoy this more than a pot, especially as some species attain very large sizes.

Place it in free-draining soil. Opuntia dislike heavy soils that retain water. Do not hesitate to improve drainage by adding coarse sand, gravel or stones, or by planting on a raised mound. Sloping or raised beds allow water to run off more easily.

You can plant it in a rockery, a dry garden, or an exotic-style border. Opuntia are perfect with agaves, cacti and succulent plants. Opuntia can also be used as a defensive hedge.

Once established, Opuntia grow fairly quickly if conditions suit them. Over time they can reach substantial proportions.

When to plant?

We recommend planting Opuntia in spring, as soon as frost risk has passed. Planting is also possible in summer. Avoid periods of extreme heat.

How to plant?

1. Start by preparing the site. You can create a raised mound or rockery to allow water to drain away.
2. Dig a planting hole.
3. If necessary, add drainage materials (coarse sand, gravel…)
4. Remove your Opuntia from its pot and plant it.
5. Replace soil around it.
6. Water lightly.

→ Read also : how to plant Opuntia in the ground?

You can also plant Opuntia in pots, as this allows you to bring them in easily for winter.

1. Choose a fairly wide pot with drainage holes. Place a layer of gravel, clay pebbles or pot shards at the bottom.
2. Fill with a mix of compost and coarse sand, with small gravel if desired, or use a cactus compost.
3. Plant your Opuntia.
4. Replace compost around it and firm gently.
5. Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot.

Remember to bring the pot in if temperatures turn cold. The advantage of pot culture is being able to overwinter the plant easily, protecting it from cold by placing it, for example, in a conservatory.

Opuntia quitensis (photo C. T. Johansson)

Care

Because Opuntia is a cactus, it is drought‑tolerant and dislikes excess moisture. If grown in ground, watering is generally not necessary. In pots, water occasionally but sparingly. Allow substrate to dry out between waterings, and avoid water pooling in saucer. Stop watering in winter.

Unless living in a mild climate, less-hardy species need protection from cold in winter. Bring potted species into a conservatory or greenhouse and place in a very bright position.

If growing Opuntia in pots, repot occasionally, preferably in spring. You can also apply some liquid feed once a month from spring to autumn. This promotes flowering and fruiting.

Opuntia is susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects. The former appear as white, cottony clusters, while the latter resemble brown pustules. These parasitic pests attach to the prickly pear pads and weaken the plant. You can get rid of them using a mixture of black soap, 90° alcohol and vegetable oil.

Propagation: propagate Opuntia

Opuntia can be easily multiplied by propagation by cuttings. This will allow you to plant it elsewhere in your garden, give some to friends and family, or keep your plants safe in case of frost. It is also possible to sow seeds in spring, but this technique is less straightforward and less commonly used.

Propagation by cuttings

Opuntia is very easy to propagate. Best time to do this is late spring or early summer.

As Opuntia bears thorns, you can protect yourself by handling it with gloves, or by using cardboard or polystyrene to support the prickly pear pads.

1. Take a cladode (prickly pear) by cutting it cleanly with a sharp knife. Avoid choosing a very young one; it should be at least six months old.
2. Let the wound dry for at least several days (or even several weeks) by placing the pad in a dry place. (The pad can be kept exposed to air for a long time. If you wait to plant it, you may even see roots develop!)
3. Prepare a pot with a well-draining substrate (cactus compost or a mix of soil and sand, with a drainage layer at the bottom)
4. Plant the pads, upright in the pot, pushing their base slightly in (about 2 to 3 cm deep).
5. Replace some substrate around if necessary, and press down gently. You can use small stones to keep them upright.

You can then water very lightly, and place the pot in a bright spot, avoiding direct afternoon sun.

We recommend moistening the substrate slightly from time to time, as this encourages plant rooting.

But it is important to avoid excess moisture, which can rot the pad.

It is also possible to propagate Opuntia by simply laying a pad flat on the substrate.

Opuntia cuttings take easily. It even happens that the plant propagates itself: when pads fall to the ground, they tend to root there. If you notice this, you can take these natural cuttings and plant them elsewhere, or pot them.

→ Learn more with our tutorials : Taking cuttings from cacti and succulents and Propagate an Opuntia, the prickly pear cactus.

Using and combining in the garden

Use Opuntias to create a rockery of succulent plants and exotic plants. Create a raised or sloping bed (water will drain easily), add a few large stones, and plant a few Opuntias between them alongside Agaves, Sedums, Carpobrotus, Phormium, Aloes, Aeoniums… You can add some small palms and yuccas. Don’t hesitate to include some delicate flowering, such as that of Tulbaghia violacea or Bulbines.

You will obtain a beautiful exotic-style garden if you pair Opuntia with palms, with plants with very large foliage (Fatsia japonica, Phormium…) and with some impressive flowering, such as those of Kniphofias and Eucomis.

You can easily incorporate Opuntias into an exotic-style garden. Yucca aloifolia (photo Stan Shebs), Opuntia, Agave americana ‘Variegata’ and Carpobrotus (photo Digitalsignal)

Opuntia are particularly suited to seaside gardens, and especially to cultivation in Mediterranean regions. You can pair them with Eryngium maritimum, Artemisia, Senecio, cistus, Helianthemum… To add some height, include a few olive trees, palms, Lagerstroemia and oleanders, and train Bougainvillea up a façade or pergola. Include plants with silvery or aromatic foliage: Helichrysum, Santolina, Lavender, Thyme, Sage… Also take advantage of the large leaves of Agaves, which will add much volume to the bed. Finally, consider the majestic flowering of agapanthus.

⇒ More pairings in our advice sheet: Pairing Opuntia