The prickly pear is a cactus that grows very fast, and that, in addition, can become very large. It is easy for it to exceed a meter in height and for it to measure the same or more in width. However, it is a very resistant plant, which recovers very well from pruning. So, It would not be strange to wonder if it is possible to have it in a pot.
And the truth is that if you ask me, I would tell you that it is not the most advisable. But that doesn't mean you can't have a prickly pear in a pot, because you can. You just have to know how to achieve it.
What kind of pot do you need?
The ideal pot for prickly pear es one with drainage holes, and the right size so that it can grow normally for a while. The material with which it is made is indifferent, although I recommend that it be made of clay because that way it will be able to take root much better.
However, as it gets bigger and bigger, it will be preferable to plant it in a large brick pot, unless you intend to prune it regularly in order to keep it small.
But how big does it have to be? Well, it's a fast-growing cactus, so The new pot should be about four inches wider and taller than the one you have now.
What soil or substrate should be put?
prickly pears They grow in soils that do not easily flood, and that also drain water well.. They can do this even in those that don't contain a lot of nutrients (i.e. poor soils), so you won't need to give your plant the highest quality soil you can find.
But it would not be a good idea to plant it in one that is very compact either, because in this type of land the roots are not well aerated, since the air can hardly circulate well between the granites that form them. Therefore, when they get wet, they stay wet for a long time; and when they dry out, it is often very difficult to re-wet them, as they become so compacted that they become impermeable soils.
That said, the best we can do is plant our prickly pear in substrate for cactus so you don't have any problems. you can buy it here.
How often to water the potted prickly pear?
The prickly pear is a cactus that do not need to be watered often. In fact, you have to do it only and only when the soil is completely dry. It resists drought very well, but the truth is that excess water can cause very serious damage, to the point that, in extreme cases, the roots could become so damaged that the only way to save the cactus would be to multiply it. by leaf cutting (stalk or segment).
So to avoid taking it to that, we are going to water it very little: once a week during the summer, or twice during a heat wave; and once every 20 or 30 days the rest of the year, unless temperatures remain above 20ºC, in which case it will be preferable to water it once every 10 or 15 days.
When the moment comes, we will pour the water to the earth, and we will continue pouring until it comes out through the holes in the pot. If we have put a plate under it, we will drain it ten minutes after watering so that the plant does not rot.
Does it have to be paid?
It's not mandatory. The prickly pear is a plant that does not need a large amount of nutrients to be perfect. However, if you want you can fertilize it with a liquid cactus fertilizer such as this, but follow the instructions for use, which usually consist of diluting a small amount of water before applying it.
It is very important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations, otherwise the prickly pear will be damaged.
When and how to prune the potted prickly pear?
If we take into account that it can become a large cactus, and that our intention is to keep it in a pot, we are going to have to prune it relatively frequently, in spring. This pruning will basically consist of removing leaves (stalks or segments), trying to give it a more or less rounded and beautiful shape. Namely, You don't have to remove it just to remove it, but first you have to observe the cactus from a certain distance and think about how you would like it to look.
Of course, before pruning, we will put on gloves -preferably thick cloth ones- and clean the pruning tool, which can be a handsaw, with soap and water.
How often do you have to change the pot?
Although we are going to prune it, from time to time we will have to change its pot. The transplant will be done when the roots appear through the drainage holes, or every 2 or 3 springs., depending on how fast it grows.
In any case, there may come a time when it is best to plant it in a brick pot that measures at least 1 x 1 meters.
Should it be placed outside or inside?
It is a very demanding cactus of sunlight, which is why it cannot live indoors unless you have a room with windows through which the sun's rays enter. Thus, it is better to have it away from home.
Only in this way will it be able to grow well. In addition, You should know that it withstands frosts of up to -5ºC, so if it is colder in your area, you should protect it with an anti-frost mesh.
I hope these tips help you.