Opuntia polyacantha
many-spined prickly pear
A spreading, perennial cactus that can reach up to 2m across comprising low mats of pad-like stem segments up to 40cm tall. The oval or circular, mid-green, flattened stem segments are covered in areoles each with woolly brown fibres and often with spines up to 5cm long. Solitary yellow or magenta flowers up to 7.5cm across are borne in summer at the ends of the stem segments
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Pink Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Skin/eye irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Opuntia can be creeping, bushy or tree-like cacti, usually with flattened, pad-like stem segments bearing spines and barbed bristles, and with funnel-shaped flowers followed by spiny, fleshy fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Canada USA Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in sharply-draining, peat-free, loam-based compost with added sharp sand, or a proprietary peat-free cactus compost. Provide full light at all times and allow compost to dry before watering during growth period in spring, summer and early autumn and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser three or four times. Withhold water and fertiliser in winter when dormant. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed in spring or root stem segments in summer. Handle segments with folded newspaper to avoid touching spines
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free although in poorly drained, or wet soil, can be susceptible to root rots
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.