Opuntia ficus-indica

Indian Fig

Accent

This evergreen, treelike cactus grows quickly to 12 feet or higher with a woody trunk and smooth, flat pads or segments. The segments can be up to 20 inches long and have no thorns but a few sharp glochids in each polka dot. It has been propagated all over the world.

Temperature

Hardy to 15F.

Water requirements

None, thought may benefit from supplemental water in the dry summer. It will begin to lean if too dry.

Sun

Full sun.

Soil

Tolerant.

Maintenance

Occasional to control growth, remove fallen fruit.

Disadvantages

Reproduces quickly from pads and can become a dominant plant if not controlled. Frozen and overwatered pads may drop off.

Bloom

Yellow flowers in spring

Fruit or Seeds

Red or yellow fruits follow bloom.

Uses

Silhouette plant, hedge or barrier. Fruit is edible.

Origin

Probably a native to Mexico. Member of the Cactaceae family.

Themes

Desert Grassland, Desert, Desert Transitional, Edible.

Return to Index