Arborescent Prickly Pear

Family

Opuntia

Native

South America

Description

Opuntia leucotricha, commonly called the Arborescent Prickly Pear, is a tree-like cactus that can grow up to 4–5 meters tall. It develops upright woody stems and branching pads covered with clusters of fine white glochids and spines, giving it a distinctive silvery appearance.

From late spring through summer, it blooms vibrant yellow flowers, which mature into edible reddish fruits. This hardy, drought-tolerant cactus flourishes in full sunlight and requires minimal maintenance.

Environment

Demands full light growing for most of the year, except during the winter cycle. For the plant's health, light should be reduced to partial sun during this time.

Opuntia is a desert species . Water the plant when the top one inch of soil is dry. Allow the water to drain out of the pot and remove any excess from the saucer. During fall and winter, water lightly only every 2- 3 weeks. Like most cacti, this specimen demands sandy soil-bases that drain easily

Feed Cactus monthly with low nitrogen fertilizer but it should stop one month before the planned winter cycle for the plant's health.

Landscape Uses

It is an excellent plant for container growing. It always looks good and stays small.