Eastern Prickly Pear (Opuntia Humifusa) is a perennial cactus in the Cactaceae family with easy care difficulty. It requires low watering and full sun or partial shade light in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach of pets. It can be grown indoors.

Opuntia humifusa is a clump-forming, semi-prostrate cactus native to Missouri and eastern North America, known for its flat, fleshy green pads and yellow flowers.

Eastern Prickly Pear

Eastern Prickly Pear

Opuntia Humifusa

Opuntia humifusa is a clump-forming, semi-prostrate cactus native to Missouri and eastern North America, known for its flat, fleshy green pads and yellow flowers.

Quick Facts

Type
cactus
Lifecycle
perennial
Care Difficulty
Easy
Water Needs
Low
Light
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Hardiness Zones
4-9

Safety

⚠️
Not Pet Safe
⚠️
Not Child Safe
Non-Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:sandy, rocky, loamy
Indoor:Yes
Outdoor:Yes
Garden Use:groundcover, drought-tolerant landscaping, pollinator support

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Eastern 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

Eastern Prickly Pear
Eastern Prickly Pear detail

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Taxonomy

Family:Cactaceae
Genus:Opuntia