Opuntia vulgaris

Prickly Pear Cactus

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Hardy cactus with flat, paddle-shaped cladodes covered in spines or glochids. Produces vibrant edible fruits in late summer.
yard Succulents plants wb_sunny Sun pets Not pet-safe
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Plant Details

Common Name Prickly Pear Cactus
Family Cactaceae
Genus Opuntia
Species Vulgaris
Origin Americas
Blooming Yellow or red flowers in late spring/summer, followed by edible fruiting
Leaf Color Blue-green to gray-green
Sunlight Sun
Category Succulents plants
Pet Friendly close No
yard

Care & Maintenance

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Soil

Well-draining cactus mix with pumice or perlite; high mineral content required

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Watering

Water deeply then allow soil to dry completely; reduce significantly in winter dormancy to prevent rot

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Sunlight & Care

Requires full sun for optimal growth and flowering; can tolerate partial shade but may become leggy

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Fertilization

Apply balanced cactus fertilizer monthly during active growing season (Spring/Summer); stop in autumn/winter

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Pruning

Remove damaged or dead pads using thick gloves and tongs; wear eye protection due to glochids

Pest Control Aphid Cochineal Scale Mealybug Spider Mite

These are the insects and pathogens that commonly interact with this plant, including pests, parasites, and organisms typically associated with its care.

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Seasonal Periods

local_florist Flowering Period 4 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
agriculture Harvesting Period 3 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
eco Leaf Persistence 12 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
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Growing Parameters

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Temperature
41° – 104°
Fahrenheit
Ideal ambient air temperature range for healthy growth
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Humidity
20% – 70%
% relative
Optimal relative air humidity the plant thrives in
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Light (LUX)
3000 – 60000
Lux
Ambient illuminance level at the plant's surface
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Light (PAR)
800 – 2500
mmol/m²/s
Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intensity
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Soil Moisture
10% – 35%
% volumetric
Water content in the growing medium
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Soil EC
400 – 2500
mS/cm
Electrical conductivity (nutrient concentration in soil water)
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Common Problems

Something wrong with your Opuntia vulgaris? Select a symptom to diagnose and fix the issue.

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