Scientific name: Opuntia engelmannii var lindheimeri
Common name: Texas Prickly-pear
The cactus has pads that are covered in pines. It can grow tall. The pads are green and grow from a trunk. It can spread out as it grows. There are yellow flowers that bear a purple fruit in the spring.
Quick Look at Opuntia engelmannii var lindheimeri
- Full sun to partial shade
- Typical water needs for a succulent
- Plant grows up to 5′ (1.5 m) tall
Plant grows up to 8′ (2.4 m) wide - Zone 8a (Minimum 10° F | -12° C)
- Not cold hardy
- Propagation by stem cuttings and seeds
- Generally non-toxic to people and pets. Be careful around spines
- Winter Dormant
General Care for Opuntia engelmannii var lindheimeri “Texas Pricklypear”
Opuntia engelmannii var lindheimeri is an excellent cacti to plant in your garden. It is resistant to deer and its flowers provide food for bees and hummingbirds.
Watering
Opuntia engelmannii var lindheimeri “Texas Pricklypear” has typical watering needs. The “soak and dry” method will allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Where to Plant
If you live in a zone that gets colder than 10 F (-12 C), it’s best to plant the Texas Pricklypear in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in both full and partial sun.
You can plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day. If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, place a room that gets a lot of sunlight near a southern-facing window. You may need a grow light.
How to Propagate Opuntia engelmannii var lindheimeri “Texas Pricklypear”
Stems or seeds can be used for propagation of Opuntia engelmannii.
Cuttings
Use a sterile knife or pair of scissors to grow Texas pricklypear. Allow the main plant’s stem to callous for several days before placing it on well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil has dried out.
In this post, learn more about propagating cacti.
Seeds
It is possible to harvest the seeds from the fruit of a mature plant. Remove the seeds after the fruit has been over-ripen. Before planting, clean the seeds and let them dry.
In this post, learn more about propagating from seed.
