A tree-like shrubby cactus commonly known as prickly pear, with spiny, flat, green paddle-shaped stem segments and orange to red flowers appearing in April or May and blooming over a long period. Edible egg-shaped fruits ripening to red-pink follow the flowers. Easy to grow in pots and drought-tolerant once established
2.5-4 metres
2.5-4 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
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
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
No pruning required
May be susceptible to scale insect and mealybugs
Generally disease-free although in poorly drained, or wet soil, can be susceptible to root rots