Prickly pear cacti grow well outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11
In these regions, growing prickly pear cacti can be practical and low-maintenance
Regularly monitor and control the spread of these cacti if they get out of hand do pruning, removal of seedlings, or create physical barriers that can help prevent the spread of invasive populations and protect native ecosystemsThey can be controlled by growing in containers
Growing prickly pear cacti indoors can offer dramatic structural beauty and colorful accents of color to your home decor
Place the prickly pear cactus in bright to bright indirect sunlight
Water deeply when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
Use well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix
There are three methods of propagating prickly pear cactus; seeds, pad cuttings, and grafting techniques
Click to read our full post and learn more about each methd
The pads, known as nopales, are commonly consumed as a vegetable and are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals
The fruits, called prickly pears or cactus figs, are sweet and juicy, and can be eaten fresh or used in various culinary preparations
One of the key health benefits associated with consuming prickly pear cactus is its rich antioxidant content
Beyond its internal benefits, prickly pear cactus has also found its way into herbal remedies and natural skincare products