Plant Care

Light Requirements: Provide bright light and several hours of direct sunlight each day. A sunny south or west facing window is ideal indoors.

Water Requirements: Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain completely. Reduce watering during winter.

Fertilizer: Feed with a diluted cactus or succulent fertilizer during spring and summer according to product directions.

Soil: Use a very well draining cactus or succulent soil mix with plenty of mineral material.

Temperature: Prefers warm, sunny conditions. Protect container-grown plants from prolonged freezing temperatures.

Pet Safety: Opuntia is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, but its spines and tiny barbed glochids can cause injury.

Humidity: Average household humidity is suitable. Avoid consistently humid conditions.

Growth Habit: A branching, pad-forming cactus with broad, flattened segments. Mature plants can become large and tree-like under the right conditions.