Prickly Pear Cactus | Opuntia Monacantha | Care Guide and Pro Tips - Delivery from Toronto across Canada - JOMO Studio

4" Pot

6" Pot

Air PurifyingEasy Care

Prickly Pear Cactus

$12

Bright

When fully dry

Low

+ More

Size:

4" Pot 6" Pot

Variant

Prickly Pear Cactus, scientifically known as Opuntia Phaeacantha, also known as Tulip Prickly Pear, or Desert Prickly Pear, is a genus of flowering plants in the cactus family Cactaceae. Native to the Americas, this versatile plant is particularly abundant in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Prickly Pear is known for its unique, flat, paddle-like segments that are covered with small barbed bristles called glochids and sometimes larger, traditional spines. The cactus produces vibrant flowers, usually yellow, orange, or pink, followed by edible fruits called "tunas," which are popular in many cuisines. Prickly Pear Cactus is not only valued for its aesthetic and culinary uses but also for its resilience and ability to thrive in arid environments.

What to expect

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.

Carbon-neutral delivery

All of our deliveries are carbon neutral.

In store shopping and free local pick up available at our store located at 21A Bathurst St, Toronto.

Free local delivery* available within City of Toronto and surrounding areas including Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, and Scarborough.

Shipping options are available for plants and planters that are 7" or smaller to all provinces in Canada. We ship out on every Monday (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday) for orders placed by Saturday midnight.

Winter safe packaging

We check the destination weather for each package to make sure they arrive safely with whatever it takes. Complimentary heat packs and insulations are included to protect your plants from cold damage when mailing in a box, if weather requires.

Visit us in person

All of our plants available online are also available at our downtown Toronto store. Feel free to visit us and explore our green oasis for more inspiration and a firsthand look at our diverse collections. Our team is there to answer any questions and help with all your plant needs, whether you're shopping online or in-store.

Prickly Pear Cactus

4" Pot

·

$12

Care Guide

How to take care of Prickly Pear Cactus

Sun: Direct

Prickly Pear Cactus loves as much sun as possible. The best spot for them is where they can see the sun during the majority of the day.

Light: Bright

Prickly Pear Cactus 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.

Water: When fully dry

Prickly Pear Cactus likes 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.

Humidity: Low

Their humidity requirement is low, so do not mist Prickly Pear Cactus or put them in a terrarium.

Pet Caution

Prickly Pear Cactus is moderately toxic and can cause some adverse reactions when ingested so it is best to not let your pets eat it, which we advise for all plants in general. The severity of the reaction will depend on how much of the plant is ingested but, if you know your pet typically does not eat your plants, this plant will be suitable for your home.

Plant Bio

About Prickly Pear Cactus

Botanical Name: Opuntia Phaeacantha

Common Name: Prickly Pear Cactus, Tulip Prickly Pear, Desert Prickly Pear

Origin: Southwestern United States and Mexico

Plant Story

Introducing the Prickly Pear Cactus, scientifically known as Opuntia, a robust and iconic member of the cactus family known for its distinctive paddle-like segments and vibrant fruit. This resilient plant not only adds a touch of rugged beauty to any environment but also symbolizes endurance, resourcefulness, and the ability to thrive under challenging conditions.

The Prickly Pear Cactus is characterized by its flat, rounded cladodes (also called nopales) that serve as both leaves and stems. These green, thick pads are adorned with barbed bristles and sometimes larger, fixed spines, making them a striking sight. During the flowering season, the cactus produces beautiful flowers, usually yellow, red, or purple, which later develop into the colourful, edible fruits known as "prickly pears."

Caring for the Prickly Pear Cactus involves replicating its native desert environment as much as possible. It thrives in full sun, requiring several hours of direct sunlight each day to foster growth and bloom healthily. The plant is highly drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering. In fact, overwatering is one of the few ways to harm this sturdy plant, so it's essential to let the soil dry out completely between waterings and ensure excellent drainage.

The Prickly Pear Cactus is not just valued for its aesthetic appeal; it is also celebrated for its culinary and medicinal uses. The nopales are commonly cooked and eaten as a vegetable, while the sweet prickly pears are consumed fresh or used in various dishes and beverages. The fruit and pads contain antioxidants and other nutrients, offering health benefits that have been recognized in traditional medicine for centuries.

As your Prickly Pear Cactus grows, it can become a sprawling or upright focal point in gardens or a striking container plant. Its capacity to store water in its thick pads allows it to withstand long periods of drought, symbolizing resilience and adaptation.

Welcome the Prickly Pear Cactus into your home or garden, and let it serve as a daily reminder of the beauty of resilience and the power of adaptation. It’s not just a plant; it’s a testament to thriving despite adversity and making the most of one's environment to grow and flourish.

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Prickly Pear Cactus