Opuntia sulfurea - Prickly Pear

The Opuntia sulfurea, also known as Opuntia sulphurea, sought after by cactus collectors, is a variety of prickly pear recognizable by the characteristic appearance of its pads: elongated oval in shape, thick waffle-like patterns from which long red-ringed prickers and crenellated margins emerge. Its sulphur yellow spring flowering is charming. The plant is more or less spreading, well-branched, of medium vigor and easy to grow in full sun in any well-drained, poor, rocky and arid soil, in the ground in not too humid regions in winter. It will also have a great effect in a pot on a terrace.

The Opuntia sulphurea, a close relative of the Barbary Fig (Opuntia ficus indica), is a succulent plant without true leaves from the cactus family. This botanical species is native to dry areas in northern Argentina. It forms a bush wider than it is tall: an adult specimen will reach about 40-50 cm (16-20in) in height and can spread laterally up to an average of 1.50 m (5ft). Its dimensions will of course be reduced in a pot. Its growth is moderately fast, with the plant producing 1 or 2 generations of new pads per year from spring to autumn. The vegetation is composed of pads or cladodes that are stacked on top of each other. Measuring up to 10-15 cm (4-6in) wide and 30 cm (12in) long, with a thickness of 3 to 7 cm (1 to 3in), they are obovate to oblong in shape, and fleshy. The base of the plant lignifies with age, forming a very short trunk. The green surface of the pads is covered with white-gray areoles filled with tiny transparent but formidable spines, called glochids, from which clusters of white prickers emerge, measuring up to 10 cm (4in) long, irregularly ringed with reddish-brown. On young pads, atrophied succulent and curled leaves appear, which quickly disappear in favor of glochids and prickles. Flowering occurs from late May to late July, earlier or later depending on the climate. Several flowers appear on the edges of the pads, mainly towards their tips. The cup-shaped flowers, 4 cm (2in) wide, are composed of sulphur yellow, shiny petals, with a fine and slightly translucent texture. In favorable climates, they give way to small pear-shaped fruits that turn reddish when ripe.

This surprising Barbary Fig is hardy down to -10°C (14°F) without protection, but in perfectly drained, rocky or sandy soil. It must be planted in a dry rock garden or on a dry slope in hot and dry regions in summer. It naturally structures exotic or contemporary decors, associated with hardy agaves, Nolinas, and arborescent Euphorbias. In cold and humid climates, it can be easily cultivated in a pot, which allows it to be sheltered in winter in a cold greenhouse or an unheated veranda, kept almost dry.

Attention, the prickly pear may be tough, but its joints are particularly brittle! Has a pad fallen during transportation or handling? Don't worry, this is how this conqueror spreads in nature: each pad that falls to the ground is capable of generating a whole new plant! This is a great opportunity to have a new prickly pear: simply leave the pad in the open air for a few days, until the tissue heals. Then plant this pad vertically, burying 1/3 of its surface, in a well-drained pot with a mixture of sand and compost. Place in the sun, water when you remember, it will grow effortlessly!