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Cacti & Succulents

Prickly Pear in my zone?

14 years ago

I recently picked up a Prickly Pear cactus at a flea market. I potted it up to a 6" ceramic pot from the plastic 4" pot it came in. It is supposed to be hardy here, but I don't have an in-ground spot for it, as I live in an apartment. I do have a small green strip on the west side of the building where I have my container veggies. I wouldn't be able to over winter it indoors as I have 3 cats, and they get into everything during the winter when they're stuck inside. I don't want them to get hurt. I thought about making a cage for it, but I still won't have the space. Has anyone grown the Opuntias in a container outside in these colder zones? Thanks in advance!

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Comments (6)

tjicken
14 years ago
Yes, I have several potted Opuntia that I overwinter outside. I wonder what species you have, it can be quite important ...
Do you have a picture? Preferrably with something that show the size.
noinwi
Original Author
14 years ago
My DH took this picture moments ago...the flower opened within the last hour...it's amazing!
{{gwi:585810}}
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That’s rot. You could twist off all the new growth thats growing from the rotting pads, and start them over. Opuntia are really quick to throw out roots. Just repot like normal, but keep the cuttings dry until you get roots. Keep away from strong sun till roots form. How’s the weather where you’re at? Is it still warm or starting to cool down?
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tjicken
14 years ago
No spines, yellow flowers, relatively small pads and it is supposed to be cold-hardy ... could be an O. humifusa (but there are other cold-hardy species, and I am not an Opuntia expert). If so it will start shriveling in autumn, that is when I know that they do not need more water. It is not necessary to cover it in winter, but they look better if protected from snow and rain. Watch out for snails!
sophie12
14 years ago
Looks alot like what I have---but mine came from a field in western NE and now lives in a clay pot in NW Iowa---no winter protection, unless you call the 3-4' of snow that gets piled on it every winter protection. *but mine has nasty spines!!!*
wantonamara Z8 CenTex
14 years ago
Expect your PP to look bad during the winter. Many species lie down and shrivel, turn dark and look dead but they are not. They perk right up in spring. WIERD. Intermountain Catus and Cold Hardy cactus are two good sights that have lots of info on those cold hardy species. also there is this site that has a lot of the species that reside in this country, if you want to spend the time looking, I have included it below. IDing opuntias can be a real hair puller.

http://www.coldhardycactus.com/index.htm
http://www.intermountaincactus.com/Cactus/Home.html

Here is a link that might be useful: 0puntiads of the USA
noinwi
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you all for the great info. It's good to know I'll have at least one container plant that will survive a Wisconsin winter!

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