Prickly Pear Cactus
Opuntia Phaeacantha, aka Prickly Pear Cactus, Tulip Prickly Pear, or Desert Prickly Pear, is a species of cactus found across the southwestern United States, lower Great Plains, and northern Mexico. It is a succulent shrub or tree growing to 5m in height with a defined trunk that branches at the top. These branches are a cute egg shape in outline but with a narrower end at the base. It is not poisonous but watches out for their spines.
They love as much sun as possible. The best spot for them is where they can see the sun during the majority of the day.
They will do best in bright light. A nice bright place inside your home would be on the window sill or a stool that is right next to a window, either with or without blinds, depending on if the plant can handle sun. Remember that plants will grow based on how much light they receive.
They like the soil to be completely dry before the next watering. That can take about 4 weeks in an average home environment. It will vary depending on the time of year, your environment and lighting conditions, but for them, it's always safer to underwater or water when you see signs of lack of water (i.e. wrinkly or soft leaves). Water a little more often in the warmer months.
Their humidity requirement is low, so do not mist them or put them in a terrarium.
They will like a bright, warm spot in your home, but avoid watering them too much.
The plant comes with a default nursery pot. The nursery pot is usually 0.5" - 1" smaller than stated to fit into the same size decorative pot. Washable Paper Planter Bags are sold separately.
As with all living things, no two plants are alike. There is some natural variation in size, shape, and characteristics. We make every effort to bring you a plant that as closely as possible matches the plant as it appears on our website, in the size you have chosen, and have a good potential to happily grow in your home.
