Q.Pruning Prickly Pear Cactus
We moved to a house that has a prickly pear cactus. I don’t know much about caring for it but I just love the look of it (but definitely don’t love the feel). However I noticed that the main stems on it are a light brown color with a flaky covering. There are quite a few pads that have discoloration on them. But many of the pads that are far from the stem are green And look healthy but the pads that are closer to the main stems are the ones that are brown. I’m not sure if I should cut the healthy all the way back to the brown stems or how i should prune it. There are quite a few of them main stems that are underneath the soil and I am wondering f I’d that is why they turned brown. I don’t want to assume it’s a healthy plant and end up losing it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
This is very normal. Pruning is easy, as well. It will consist of removing any growth down to the desired spread. If you do not want to prune it this will be fine, too. The plant will not be very particular.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/prickly-pear
