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Cactus SucculentConservatory Greenhouse

Opuntia ficus-indica

Indian fig

A bushy, tree-like cactus with divided, spiny, flat, oblong or elliptic grey to green stems. Bowl-shaped yellow or orange flowers are produced from spring until summer, followed by purple, orange or red fruit

Other common names
Barbary fig
edible prickly pear
see moretuna
Synonyms
Opuntia paraguayensis
Opuntia joconostle
see moreOpuntia megacantha
Opuntia undulata
Opuntia bonaerensis

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver Orange Yellow
Summer Green Grey Silver Orange Yellow Purple Red Orange
Autumn Green Grey Silver Red Purple Orange
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Cactaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Skin/eye irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus

Opuntia can be creeping, bushy or tree-like cacti, usually with flattened, pad-like stem segments bearing spines and barbed bristles, and with funnel-shaped flowers followed by spiny, fleshy fruits

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Mexico

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in sharply-draining, peat-free, loam-based compost with added sharp sand, or a proprietary peat-free cactus compost. Provide full light at all times and allow compost to dry before watering during growth period in spring, summer and early autumn and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser three or four times. Withhold water and fertiliser in winter when dormant. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed in spring. Sow after pre-soaking and keep at 21°C for germination. Root stem segments in summer. Handle segments with folded newspaper to avoid touching spines

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free although in poorly drained, or wet soil, can be susceptible to root rots

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