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

Description and botany

Opuntia gather nearly 200 species of cactus, generally shrubby and made up of flattened, spiny segments shaped like prickly pears… hence common name Prickly pear cactus! They are succulent plants: they store water and mineral elements in their swollen stems, enabling them to withstand drought. The best known and most widely 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. They are plants adapted to drought, their thick tissues allowing storage of water and mineral reserves. Cacti generally bear numerous thorns and produce large, beautiful flowers. They often take unusual forms and prefer warm, dry climates. Cacti are sometimes confused with other succulent plants that resemble them, such as euphorbias or crassulaceae.

Cylindropuntia cacti are very close to Opuntia: they were previously in same genus. They were separated because Opuntia generally have flattened stems, in prickly pears, whereas Cylindropuntia bear cylindrical stems.

Opuntia vulgaris: botanical plate

Like almost all cacti, Opuntia originate from the American continent. They occur from United States to Argentina. Mexico hosts a very large diversity of Opuntia; it is also country of origin of prickly pear. Being widely cultivated, it has naturalised in several regions worldwide, notably around Mediterranean basin. Fruits are eaten in various forms in Mexico; a fermented alcoholic drink (colonche) is even made from them.

Opuntia grow mainly in arid regions, which is why they are rather drought-resistant. In nature, some Opuntia species grow on plains while others occur at altitude, in mountains (some grow up to 4,000 or 5,000 m!). This probably explains wide range of hardiness, some species being rather tender, others tolerating down to −20°C.

Opuntia takes its name from ancient Greek town Oponte. Species name ficus-indica means “fig of the Indies” because Christopher Columbus brought it from America while thinking he had reached India. Name Figuier de Barbarie was given because fruit was widely eaten and cultivated in Maghreb, in Berber regions. It is also called Nopal in Mexico. In English it is called prickly pear cactus. In French, Figue de Barbarie is also sometimes called Poire-Cactus, likely because of pear-shaped appearance of fruit.

Opuntia are generally characterised by a succession of flat, oval and fleshy forms, the cladodes, more commonly called “prickly pears”. These are in fact modified stems that have become swollen and flattened.

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

Opuntia grow fairly quickly and generally take a spreading habit. Opuntia ficus-indica can reach 4 metres in diameter and 6–7 metres in height. It is nevertheless uncommon for it to reach such proportions in a garden! Some Opuntia form true trees, such as Opuntia echios, which has an impressive trunk! Conversely, dwarf Opuntia exist, like Opuntia clavarioides or Opuntia compressa, which do not exceed 30 cm in height. Opuntia can be erect, shrubby or spreading along ground.

Opuntia flower in spring or summer. Depending on variety, they can flower between May and September. If grown in a warm climate, flowers may appear throughout year.

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

Flowers are made up of numerous coloured tepals, with smaller green outer tepals. Flower also includes an hypanthium: a floral receptacle that encloses the inferior ovary and supports base of tepals and stamens. Tepals and stamens are inserted in a spiralled arrangement. At centre, among petals, flower bears very numerous stamens.

Flowers show warm, vivid hues: 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 pears”. They are generally oval and flattened in shape, but thick and fleshy. They are usually green or blue-green, sometimes slightly grey. 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.

Prickly pears bear areoles (small cushions) that are white. These areoles bear both tufts of small acute spines resembling hairs, called glochidia, and some large, long thorns. Glochidia can easily detach from plant and stick to skin on contact.

Opuntia thorns are fairly large and can reach up to 2 cm long. Some Opuntia are also thornless. Others, on the contrary, are totally covered, like Opuntia erinacea var. ursina. Thorns may form a whitish down that entirely covers cladodes, giving plant a pilous appearance.

As with most cacti, Opuntia have replaced leaves with thorns. Leaves have disadvantage of causing water loss through stomata (pores in epidermis of leaves). By eliminating them, plant becomes more drought-resistant. Thorns provide protection against herbivores. In nature, thorns also capture morning dew, which condenses on them and supplies a little water to plant. Likewise, for Opuntia bearing very numerous thorns, such as Opuntia erinacea var. ursina, these provide protection from scorching sun rays, offering some shade to plant.

Prickly pear, Opuntia ficus-indica, is renowned for its edible fruits. They appear on top of pads, usually along edge, and reach ripeness in late summer (between July and September). They are berries, yellow, orange or purplish in colour, and oval in shape. They measure between 4 and 10 cm in length. They bear small spines: they must therefore be peeled before consumption. They enclose sweet pulp and small black seeds. Fruit is rich in fibre, vitamin C and magnesium. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

In nature, fruits are enjoyed by many animals living in arid environments. By eating them, animals ensure seed dispersal.

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 consists of glaucous green prickly pears which bear long thorns. It is rather compact, shorter than other species, adopting a very spreading, almost creeping form. 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 Opuntia is rather large and imposing. It is made up of grey-bluish 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 appearance, gentler than in other species. The prickly pears also have beautiful rounded shapes and are a lovely 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 has the advantage of being robust and hardy. It forms a beautiful bush made up of ovate, thorny prickly pears, grey-green in 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, made up of handsome, well-rounded prickly pears, grey-bluish in colour. It also produces orange-red flowers, which 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 unusual because of 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 tongues raised towards the sky. This species is rather 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 warmth, we recommend planting Opuntia in full sun! It is important it receives plenty of light. Opuntia need a sunny position to flower. This also helps them to grow well and produce fruit. You can also position 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 under a mild climate, for example in Mediterranean regions. If you live in a cold area, you can grow prickly pear in a pot so it can be moved under cover 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 open ground. It will do better there than in a pot, especially as some species can reach very large sizes.

Place it in well-draining soil. Opuntia dislike heavy soil that retains water. Do not hesitate to improve drainage by adding coarse sand, gravel or stones, or by planting on a raised mound. Sloping or elevated beds allow water to drain away more easily.

You can place it in a rockery, a dry garden, or an exotic-style border. Opuntia is perfect alongside 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 become quite large.

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, however.

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. Backfill with soil around it.
6. Water lightly.

→ Also read: how to plant an Opuntia in open ground?

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

1. Choose a fairly large pot with drainage holes. Place a layer of gravel, clay pebbles or broken terracotta pieces at the bottom.
2. Use a mix of potting 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 pot in a warm, sunny spot.

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

Opuntia quitensis (photo C. T. Johansson)

Care

As Opuntia is a cactus, it is drought-tolerant and dislikes excess water. If you grow it in the ground, you generally do not need to water it. In a pot, you can water now and then, sparingly. Make sure to let the substrate dry out between waterings, and avoid water pooling in the saucer. You can stop watering in winter.

Unless you live in a mild climate, if you grow species that are not very hardy, they will need protection from cold during winter. Bring potted species into a conservatory or greenhouse, placing them in a very bright spot.

If you grow Opuntia in a pot, repot occasionally, preferably in spring. You can also apply a little liquid fertiliser 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 pears and weaken the plant. You can get rid of them by using a mixture of black soap, 90% alcohol and vegetable oil.

Propagation: propagate Opuntia

You can easily multiply Opuntia by propagation by cuttings. This will allow you to place it elsewhere in your garden, give some to friends and family, or keep your young plants 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 is late spring or early summer.

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

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 prickly pear in a dry place. (The prickly pear can be kept for a long time in the open air. 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 mixture of soil and sand, with a drainage layer at the bottom)
4. Plant the prickly pears, upright in the pot, inserting their base slightly (to a depth of 2–3 cm).
5. Add a little substrate around them if needed, and firm it 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 lightly moistening the substrate from time to time, as this encourages rooting.

But it is important to avoid excess moisture, which can cause the prickly pear to rot.

It is also possible to propagate Opuntia by simply placing a prickly pear flat on the substrate.

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

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

Use and combine in the garden

You can use Opuntia to create a rockery of succulent and exotic plants. Create a raised or sloping bed (water will drain away easily), add a few large stones and plant some Opuntia between them alongside Agave, Sedum, Carpobrotus, Phormium, Aloe, Aeonium… You can add some small palms and yuccas. Also feel free to include some delicate flowering, such as Tulbaghia violacea or Bulbines.

You will achieve a beautiful exotic-style garden if you pair Opuntia with palm trees, plants with very large leaf habit (Fatsia japonica, Phormium…) and some dramatic flowering, such as Kniphofia and Eucomis.

You can easily integrate Opuntia 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, palm trees, Lagerstroemia and oleanders, and train Bougainvillea up a façade or pergola. Include plants with silver or aromatic foliage: Helichrysum, Santolina, lavender, thyme, sage… Also benefit from the imposing leaves of Agave, which will add a lot of volume to the bed. Finally, consider the majestic flowering of agapanthus.

⇒ More pairings in our advice sheet: Pairing Opuntia