Southern Prickly Pear (Opuntia Austrina) is a perennial cactus in the Cactaceae family with easy care difficulty. It requires drought-tolerant watering and full sun light in USDA hardiness zones 8-11. This plant is safe for cats and dogs. It can be grown indoors.

Opuntia austrina is a small bushy prickly pear cactus native to Florida, characterized by its erect shrub form, yellow flowers, and red fruit.

Southern Prickly Pear

Southern Prickly Pear

Opuntia Austrina

Opuntia austrina is a small bushy prickly pear cactus native to Florida, characterized by its erect shrub form, yellow flowers, and red fruit.

Quick Facts

Type
cactus
Lifecycle
perennial
Care Difficulty
Easy
Water Needs
drought-tolerant
Light
Full Sun
Hardiness Zones
8-11

Safety

🐕
Pet Safe
⚠️
Not Child Safe
Non-Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:sandy, rocky, well-drained
Indoor:Yes
Outdoor:Yes
Garden Use:groundcover, specimen, drought-tolerant landscaping

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Southern Prickly Pear

Jan
Prune
Feb
Fertilize
Mar
Repot
Apr
Water+
May
...
Jun
...
Jul
...
Aug
...
Sep
...
Oct
...
Nov
...
Dec
...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

Southern Prickly Pear
Southern Prickly Pear detail

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Taxonomy

Family:Cactaceae
Genus:Opuntia