Damon Mcknight
Prickly pear cacti are low-maintenance plants that produce both vegetables and fruits. They are native to the Americas, but have become invasive in Australia, where they ruined the livelihoods of many farmers. Prickly pear cacti can be grown from seeds or pads/cuttings. When grown from seeds, it can take up to three years for the plant to become substantial. Therefore, propagation is often preferred, where pads are removed from a mature cactus and allowed to heal before being planted. Prickly pear cacti thrive in warm, dry weather, but are more cold-hardy than most cacti and can survive cold temperatures. They require well-drained soil and should be kept dry, avoiding overwatering.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Invasive species in Australia | Yes |
| Genus | Opuntia |
| Species | stricta, humifusa, erinacea, santa-rita, basilaris |
| Natural enemies | Cactoblastis moth |
| Natural habitat | Arid, warm, and dry weather |
| Growth medium | Garden soil, pots with drainage holes |
| Fertilizer | Well-balanced fertilizer for indoor plants |
| Propagation | From seeds or pads/cuttings |
| Growth time | Up to three years from seeds |
| Fruit | Red, Yellow |
| Flowers | Yellow, Pink, Red, Purple |
| Height | Up to 2 meters |
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What You'll Learn
Prickly pear's destructive reputation in Australia
Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia) is a national pest in Australia, where several species have naturalised and wreaked havoc. The plant is native from the southern United States to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Ecuador. However, it has aggressively invaded pastoral and agricultural lands in Australia, rendering whole areas unusable. The common prickly pear is most abundant in central and southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, but it is also found in other parts of the country, including Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory.
The prickly pear's destructive reputation in Australia is well-earned, as it has caused significant economic and environmental damage. The plant's stem segments can easily fragment and be distributed by animals, vehicles, water, or wind, allowing it to quickly spread and take over large areas. Its fruits are eaten by birds and animals, which then spread the seeds in their droppings. The prickly pear can also cause injury to people and animals due to its spines and sharp edges.
Efforts to eradicate the prickly pear in Australia have been likened to a "'war," with various mechanical, chemical, and biological control methods employed. The introduction of the Cactoblastis moth in 1924 proved to be a turning point. By 1932, the stem-boring larvae of the moth had caused the collapse and destruction of the prickly pear, reclaiming almost 7 million hectares of previously infected land. This successful control of the prickly pear is considered a triumph in the battle against invasive species.
Despite the prickly pear's destructive reputation, some have suggested that Australians could learn to embrace the plant, as it is a valuable food source in Mexico. However, the plant continues to be a target for eradication efforts, and its presence in Australia is still largely seen as a curse rather than an opportunity.
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How to grow from seeds
Prickly pear cacti are native to the Americas and are considered a weed or invasive species in some areas where the plant is non-native, such as regions of Australia. If you are in an area where it is permitted, here is how you can grow a prickly pear cactus from seeds.
First, you will need to obtain prickly pear cactus seeds. You can purchase seeds online, from nurseries, or garden stores. Alternatively, you can harvest them from a prickly pear fruit. If you choose to harvest them from fruit, you will need to remove them from the interior pulp and rinse them well to remove any fruit residue. Then, allow the seeds to dry completely for about a week before planting them. To improve water absorption, scarify the seeds before planting by rubbing them with sandpaper or making a notch in each seed with a sharp knife.
Next, prepare a small garden pot with a hole at the bottom or a plastic cup. Cover the bottom with a layer of gravel or small rocks to allow for better water drainage. Fill the pot with soil, leaving some space at the top. You can use a cactus potting mix or create your own mix with equal parts sand, perlite, and coconut coir. Place one seed in each pot and push them slightly into the soil. Since prickly pear seeds require light to germinate, do not push them too far into the soil.
Place the pots in a warm, sunny spot or under a grow light. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and ensure the cacti receive ample sunlight for at least 6 hours daily. The cacti should be watered judiciously, with intervals allowing the soil to fully dry.
Your prickly pear cactus will not need pruning except to remove damaged pads. Fertilization should be minimal, with a half-strength, balanced cactus feed. You can encourage the health and growth of young plants with a 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer applied monthly.
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How to grow from pads/cuttings
Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia stricta) is a low-maintenance perennial plant that can be grown from either seeds or pads/cuttings. Growing from pads is often preferred as it is faster and easier than growing from seeds, which can take up to three years to develop into a substantial plant.
To grow from pads/cuttings, you can start by finding or purchasing a pad from a mature plant. The mature plant should be at least six months old, and the pad should be cut at the base using tongs or a hand covered in thick gloves to protect yourself from the spines. Allow the cut end to heal and scab over for about a week.
Once the cut end has scabbed over, you can plant the pad in a mixture of soil and sand. Place the pad cut-end down and support it on both sides with stakes or other uprights until it grows roots. Keep in mind that prickly pear cacti prefer warm, dry weather and well-drained soil. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause the roots to rot. If growing in a pot, choose a pot with numerous drainage holes and start with a layer of gravel at the bottom for better drainage.
When planted outdoors in garden soil, no fertilizer is needed. However, occasional feeding with a well-balanced fertilizer may be required for indoor plants. You can let the plant indicate when it needs food; if its green colour starts to pale or it doesn't flower, it's time to feed.
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Prickly pear's ideal growing conditions
Prickly pears are low-maintenance perennial plants that produce both vegetables and fruits. They are surprisingly simple to grow and are hardy enough to survive in cold climates. However, they thrive in warm, dry weather and will grow larger and bloom more in such conditions.
When growing prickly pears, it is important to remember that they do not need much water. In fact, overwatering is one of the most common problems when cultivating these plants, as it can cause their shallow, fibrous roots to rot. Therefore, ensure that your pot or garden soil has good drainage. If planting outdoors, no fertiliser is needed. However, if growing prickly pears indoors, occasional feeding with a well-balanced fertiliser may be required.
Prickly pears can be grown from seeds or pads/cuttings. Growing from seeds can take up to three years for the plant to become substantial, so propagation is often preferred. To grow from pads, simply remove an individual pad from a mature cactus that is at least six months old. Allow the cut end to heal for about a week, and then plant the pad cut-end down in a mixture of soil and sand. It will likely need to be supported on either side until it grows roots.
Prickly pears can be grown in pots until they become large enough to be transplanted outdoors. Choose a pot with numerous drainage holes and a potting soil designed for succulents. Start with a pot that is a few inches broader than the largest pad, and remember to bring the plant indoors during the winter.
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Protecting your cactus from the cold
Prickly pear cacti are surprisingly resilient in cold weather. They can survive in temperatures as low as -25°F, and some varieties can even withstand being covered in snow. However, there are still steps you should take to protect your cactus from the cold.
Firstly, it is important to select a cactus species suited to your climate. The Opuntia family, which includes the Eastern prickly pear, is known for its cold-hardiness. Opuntia fragilis, for example, can tolerate temperatures as low as -58°F, while Opuntia poryapantha can withstand temperatures down to -25°F.
If you live in a cold climate, it is best to keep your cactus in a pot until it is large enough to be planted outdoors. Choose a pot with numerous drainage holes and use a potting soil designed for succulents. For even better drainage, start with a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot. When the cactus becomes rootbound, it's time to move it to a larger pot. If you do plant your cactus outdoors, make sure to protect it from harsh cold with a generous layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This will regulate soil temperature and shield the roots from extreme cold.
During the winter, it is best to keep your cactus in a cool, dry, unheated room, ideally no warmer than 15°C (60°F). If the temperature is too warm, your cactus may not go dormant, and you may experience issues like stretched-out growth. Keep your cactus as dry as possible during the winter, only watering it if it shows signs of excess shrivelling. Avoid using fertilizers with a high nitrogen content, as this can cause rapid growth and make your cactus susceptible to winter damage.
To protect your cactus from frost damage, cover it with burlap or an old bedsheet, especially during the night. This will create a protective barrier and minimize the risk of frost-induced damage. If you live in an area with harsh winds and little snow, this is especially important to prevent frostbite.
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