Opuntia engelmannii aka Engelmann's Prickly Pear

With its straightforward care requirements, Engelmann's Prickly Pear is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Engelmann's Prickly Pear does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

The Engelmann's Prickly Pear is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.

Engelmann's Prickly Pear thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Cowtongue Prickly Pear.

During the wintertime, it is common for Engelmann's Prickly Pear plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Engelmann's Prickly Pear prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.

The Engelmann's Prickly Pear is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Engelmann's Prickly Pear grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Engelmann's Prickly Pear’s native range is the Americas.