Brown-spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Phaeacantha) 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 7-10. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach of pets. It can be grown indoors.

Opuntia phaeacantha is a species of prickly pear cactus native to the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico, known for its dense thickets, yellow flowers, and edible fruit.

Brown-spine Prickly Pear

Brown-spine Prickly Pear

Opuntia Phaeacantha

Opuntia phaeacantha is a species of prickly pear cactus native to the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico, known for its dense thickets, yellow flowers, and edible fruit.

Quick Facts

Type
cactus
Lifecycle
perennial
Care Difficulty
Easy
Water Needs
drought-tolerant
Light
Full Sun
Hardiness Zones
7-10

Safety

⚠️
Not Pet Safe
⚠️
Not Child Safe
Non-Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:sandy, rocky, gravelly, well-drained
Indoor:Yes
Outdoor:Yes
Garden Use:groundcover, ornamental, drought-tolerant planting

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Brown-spine 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

Brown-spine Prickly Pear
Brown-spine Prickly Pear detail

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Taxonomy

Family:Cactaceae
Genus:Opuntia