Prickly Pear Cactus Growing Information and Photos

Prickly Pears are cactus with ovalish, flat leaves that have needles sticking out of them. There are about a dozen species of prickly pears, and most have edible fruits.

Just water thoroughly once a week, and keep from freezing.

Prickly Pear Cactus

Prickly Pear Cactus

My boyfriend bought me a prickly pear cactus as a present because it had grown a heart shape as part of its structure. This is a photo of that plant in 2010. If you look in the lower left amongst the herbs you can even see our "pet harvestman" (daddy long legs spider) who lived on it.

Prickly Pear Cactus

Here are two photos of that same plant in September 2012.

Prickly Pear Cactus

Prickly Pear Cactus

I've done up a separate page on pruning and propagation as it can be tricky:
Pruning and Propagating Prickly Pear

Succulent / Cactus Photo Main Index
Gardening Photos Main Index

There's a special forum area dedicated just to cacti and succulents!
Cacti and Succulents Forum

Come Talk in the BellaOnline Gardening Forum
Garden SIG Homepage

These photos are all courtesy of Mensa Gardening SIG members. These Prickly Cactus grow in Massachusetts. Enjoy!