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Questions About Prickly Pear Cactus

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  • Answered by
    GKH_Susan on
    September 22, 2019
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Prickly pears are hardy to 20 degrees F (-6.7 C), according to the USDA hardiness zones.

    I wouldn't plant them deeper into the soil. Are they possibly getting too much water? They should stablize on their own.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/prickly-pear/growing-prickly-pear.htm

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    May 5, 2020
    Certified Expert
    A.

    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

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    May 13, 2020
    Certified Expert
    A.

    That cactus is well established, at least several years old. It will remain there with no help. You can trim it back to any size that you please, but it will never stand up. They do not grow upwards. It is their nature to lay down over time. This is how they spread and grow into a larger mass.

    These ar very commonly mislabeled for tropical and subtropical gardens, only, but you will find them to grow quite well in your zone.

    Here is an article to help you care for these:

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/prickly-pear/growing-prickly-pear.htm

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  • Answered by
    GKH_Susan on
    November 17, 2020
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Looking at these photos, I suspect your cactus is not getting enough sunlight. You may want to give them some artificial light over the winter.

    It could be a watering problem, but they tend to have the same response to overwatering as they do to underwatering.

    Here's some info on watering: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/scgen/watering-cactus-plants.htm

    Their native habitat is the desert, so if they aren't under desert conditions, they can become stressed. Check them for spider mites, as well.

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    November 18, 2020
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Removing the entire pad will cause the least amount of damage. The joints will callus very quickly.

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    November 18, 2020
    Certified Expert
    A.

    This does appear to be an overwatering problem, which will lead to rot. Cacti are very drought tolerant, and not tolerant of wet soils.

    Sudden drops in temperature can cause these symptoms to worsen.

    Treating with a fungicide will be necessary, here. I would cut any squishy pads off, as well. This article will help:

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

    This article will give you information on their care requirements:

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/prickly-pear/growing-prickly-pear.htm

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  • Answered by
    Scooby99 on
    November 18, 2020
    A.

    Thanks for your help. When it comes to cutting off the affected pads, could I just cut off the affected section as it only has one pad. Or do I need to cut off the entire pad.

    Thanks again for your help

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    April 12, 2021
    Certified Expert
    A.

    These are quite easy to care for! It won't require much care on your part. The first few weeks, you may want to water it as it starts to wrinkle, but make sure to let the soil dry between waterings. This will be the number one killer of Opuntias.

    Here is an article for more information on the little care that they require:

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/prickly-pear/growing-prickly-pear.htm

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