Description
A Beautiful Cactus for all Skill Levels of Indoor Gardeners
The first recorded instances of the Prickly Pear Cactus date back as far as 1788. The prickly pear cactus is often connected to Governor Phillip at the Port Jackson. The plant was first introduced into the market to create a cochineal industry in the newly-created settlement. Most history experts believe that the prickly pear cactus species resulted from the drooping tree pear (Opuntia monacantha) plant with some other kind of pear in the locality.
Caring for your Prickly Pear Cactus
Light
The Prickly Pear Cactus is highly light-resistant and can thrive easily in sunny and open locations. You do not have to worry about the plant rotting even under direct sunlight.
Soil
The Prickly Pear Cactus thrives in neutral soil and prefers alkaline-based surfaces. However, it is important to drain the soil properly, or the excess water can cause plant rotting.
Water
The Prickly Pear Cactus is highly drought-tolerant, so it’s best not to water the padding in the first month. Feel free to water the plant after only two or four weeks of planting the cactus during the first year of growth. Additionally, water the plant twice a month in the summers and once a month during the wintertime. However, the rainfall and dew are enough to sustain the plant in most areas.
Fertilizer
The balance of 10-10-10 fertilizers is best for the Prickly Pear cacti, which are newer. You can reduce the balance to 5-10-10 or even 0-10-10 if you have a water-soluble fertilizer for the cactus. The mix will promote more flower growth in the cactus, but cactus growers doing it for the pads can use nitrogen-rich fertilizers.
Common Issues
Even though the Prickly pear cactus is a house plant that does not require much care, one must ensure to keep it away from all sorts of pests and diseases.
Pests and Disease
The Prickly Pear does not show many diseases compared to other plant types. Its growth can hinder in case the plant does not have proper water drainage. Additionally, it may suffer from a problem called Phyllosticta; it is called the Prickly pear leaf spot disease and comes from the tiny spores from the phyllosticta fungus. This fungus colonizes the tissues of the plant.
There is no particular treatment for this disease, but if your plant gets it, you must keep it away from other decorative plants as they might get it too. However, you can remove the infected part and hope the plant can recover.
Pruning
When pruning the Prickly pear cactus, you need to remember that it is not necessary. If you want, you can easily cut it back and separate the individual pads, which will help maintain both the shape and the size of the plant. To prune the plant, you can use tongs to first handle the pad and then use a knife to cut through it. You can use the same pads and plant them to get a new pruning prickly pear cactus.
Propagation
For the propagation of the Prickly pear cactus, you need to wait for a long time. Using the seed will take at least 3-4 years for the plant to grow and give you flowers and fruits. You need to keep the seed moist enough for it to germinate. However, if you propagate the plant using its pads, it will be much quicker for your plant to bloom and give you flowers.
Potting / Repotting
You can keep the cuttings and grow them any time you’d like. You need to transplant the Prickly pear cactus to the level where they are growing. If you plant them any deeper, it may cause root rot, which can damage your plant. It is best to handle the plant with extra care as the pads from the plants may break off. These plants tend to be heavy, so you can take all the help you can get.
When plotting the plant, use gloves, so you don’t end up hurting yourself. Do not touch the spine or the pricks as they can irritate your skin.
Erinn B. (verified owner) –
Plant is so pretty but was shipped in a box that was far too small so a few of the pads broke off. Customer service was nice and responsive and provided a partial refund though. I would try purchasing from here again for sure.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Looks good and was sturdy enough to survive its journey to me!
Verified Buyer (verified owner) –
The soil was very low, exposing the plants roots upon arrival.
Kelly McCall (verified owner) –
Lovely plants, super pleased with the delivery.
Shelby (verified owner) –
Patricia R. (verified owner) –
As my other plant arrived this one was also packaged well and there was no damage to the plant. I recommend this company for purchasing and shipping plants.
Claudia mcdede (verified owner) –
Arrived quickly. Was easy to set up. Is very healthy!!
Teresa (verified owner) –
Lisa K. (verified owner) –
Exactly as promised- came looking a little droopy but perked right up after a couple days! Love it!
Scott Gargan (verified owner) –
It’s cute but I wish it was bigger! I would have gladly paid more! Thanks!
Khrystyna (verified owner) –
Incredible! Such healthy plants and speedy delivery! I am recommending this company to all my friends.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Excellent condition
Jana R. (verified owner) –
my plant looks pretty wilted- i hope i doesn’t lose the 3 “paddles” that are droopy!
jennifer l. (verified owner) –
Wow, I ordered plants from several places before and PlantVine so far has been the best. Packed really well and they check the weather for the next four days to ensure conditions are right to ship. They keep you posted on this through emails. Great communication, decent pricing, packed really well. Now for this plant, This cutie was definitely a plus. Looks very healthy and tall. This one has smoother pads, which I appreciate as other prickly pears I have had were super prickly. I’m excited to add this to my plant party
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Damage was moderate upon receipt. Two major pieces fell off, leaving only 2 stalks. One was supported by a stick, and the other was not but needed to be tied as it could not support itself. One piece is discolored and looks like it is not doing well. Still a nice piece, but with this kind of plant, any loss stalk loss adds up quickly.
Manuel S. (verified owner) –
Recieved a quality product as promised in a timely matter.
Thank you
Suzanne S. (verified owner) –
Well packaged, healthy looking, arrived quickly & also my bonus swiss cheese plant was in great condition
Mayra Marquez (verified owner) –
There was a worm who wanted my cactus… lol.
Belinda Lopez (verified owner) –
Love the cactus! It was in perfect condition.
Julie C. (verified owner) –
Beautiful plant. Arrived healthy and with a wonderful price point.
Bridget (verified owner) –
Arrived quickly, carefully packaged, and just so beautiful and healthy. I’m a repeat customer, and I’m sure I will be back again!
Lance Schlehuber (verified owner) –
The plant was bigger than I expected and arrived in great condition. I am very happy with it and I would definitely buy from this company again.
Karen Mills (verified owner) –
MUYIWA (verified owner) –
Damaged on arrival. Tip of the cactus stalk was damaged.
not exactly as the picture for a medium size.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Shipped well , did not come in the pot I ordered otherwise the plant was ok and survived the shipping .
Tracy (verified owner) –
Your communication and packaging is outstanding! Love my plant, he is thriving in our sunroom. Thank you
Mark H. (verified owner) –
Elena Egorova (verified owner) –
Very satisfied!!!! Thank you
Monika K. (verified owner) –
Plant arrived in excellent condition. Beautiful plant. Thank you!!