Prickly pear likes dry conditions, and very little watering is required to maintain the plant. This is why the cactus is often used in low-water gardens. Limit your watering to every two to three weeks or when the soil is completely dry. When watering, simply moisten and don’t soak the soil.
Considering this, how do you take care of a prickly pear cactus?
In the wintertime, try to place your Prickly Pear in a cooler setting with plenty of bright indirect sunlight. Before applying any type of plant food, make sure the soil is already damp-never apply to dry soil. Your Prickly Pear Cactus requires fertilizer once in the spring and once in the summer.
Secondly, how do you plant a prickly pear pad?
The pads are actually specialized flattened stems. Six month old pads are removed from the plant and set out in a dry area to form a callus on the cut end for several weeks. A half and half mix of soil and sand is good for planting prickly pear pads. The pad will form roots in a few months.
How do you know when a prickly pear needs water?
You can get a water gauge to help you know the moisture level. Alternatively, you can get a stick and stick it into the soil, if it comes back dry, that means the plant needs water. Watch out for signs for underwatered or overwatered cactus.
How do I get my prickly pear to flower?
Dormancy: Many desert cacti bloom in response to a cool, dry, dormant period. During the winter, you should reduce watering to only about once a month—just enough to keep the plant from shriveling up—and move your cactus to a cool spot, around 50° F, that has plenty of sunlight.
Do prickly pears need sunlight?
Prickly pears need a location that receives full sun with well-draining soil.
What is the lifespan of a prickly pear cactus?
20 years
Are prickly pears illegal?
They’re not native to Australia, but they do thrive in our arid climate. 27 varieties are listed as prohibited invasive plants in some states, including Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Prickly pear is described as particularly destructive in the wild.
