Hedgehog Cactus, Prickly Pear
opuntia stricta
Also known as: ["Prickly Pear Cactus","Devil's Tongue"]
Overview
A species of cactus native to the Americas, characterized by flat, fleshy pads and spines.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Opuntia |
| Botanical Name: | Opuntia stricta |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: rock garden or xeriscaped area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or coarse sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 1–2 years or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if heavily overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Adjust to partial shade in extreme summer heat to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to full sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure outdoor placement receives unobstructed sunlight.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; provide shade during heatwaves; avoid north-facing windows indoors.
Watering
every 2–3 weeks, less in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, ensure excellent drainage, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
fast-draining, sandy or rocky soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Use unglazed clay pots for better drainage; avoid heavy garden soil; ensure bottom drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–90°F or 18–32°C). Tolerates mild frosts but thrives in hot, dry conditions.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good ventilation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 3–4 months with balanced cactus fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; water before applying fertilizer; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings ( pads or segments ).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select a healthy pad.
- Let it callus for 1–2 days.
- Plant in medium.
- Water sparingly until roots form.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F or 21–27°C), bright indirect light, and moderate humidity (40–60%).
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand.
Hormone
Not necessary, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 1–3 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), pot, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Let cuttings callus before planting; use sterile tools; avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut pads cleanly with a sharp, sterile tool; allow cuts to callus before handling.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead, damaged, or overgrown pads to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; wear gloves; cut cleanly; let wounds callus.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) in diameter.
Method
Remove plant carefully; trim roots if needed; repot in fresh cactus mix with good drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; minimal initial watering.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid pads; morning watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting the pads. Water early in the morning to allow surfaces to dry during the day.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to once every 4–6 weeks, depending on temperature and humidity.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to commercial potting soil to enhance drainage and aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or necrosis in pads; stunted growth; bud drop; mushy or shriveled pads.
Cold Stress
Pads may become soft, discolored, or develop lesions due to freezing damage or prolonged cold exposure.
Solution: Move indoors or to a sheltered location; provide frost protection; reduce watering in cold periods.
Hot Stress
Pads may wilt, scorch, or develop sunburn spots due to excessive heat and intense sunlight.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase airflow; water deeply but infrequently to avoid root rot.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growing season; dilute fertilizer; water before feeding; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mechanical injury from the spines and glochids of Opuntia stricta, leading to irritation and potential injury to the mouth, throat, and digestive system. The plant's compounds may also cause mild gastrointestinal distress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Opuntia stricta can cause mechanical injury to a dog's mouth, throat, and digestive tract due to spines and glochids. The plant also contains compounds that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicOpuntia stricta, commonly known as erect prickly pear, contains oxalic acid and other compounds that can cause irritation upon ingestion. The spines and glochids (tiny barbed hairs) can cause mechanical injury to the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Opuntia stricta edible?
A: The pads (nopales) and fruits (tunas) are edible but should be carefully prepared to remove spines.
Q: How often should I water Opuntia stricta?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings.
Q: Can Opuntia stricta be grown indoors?
A: It can be grown indoors in bright, sunny conditions with excellent drainage.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 2–3 weeks, less in win |
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