Water
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Reduce watering in cooler months. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Also known as Aaron's-Beard Prickly-Pear · Aarons Beard Prickly Pear · Arborescent Prickly Pear
Opuntia leucotricha, the Arborescent Pricklypear, is a tree-like cactus from Mexico, recognized for its branching form and abundant white spines.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers full sun.
90% intensity
Can tolerate partial shade.
Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
40% intensity
Reduce watering in winter.
Requires well-draining soil, such as a cactus or succulent mix. Avoid heavy, water-retentive soils.
50% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures.
70% intensity
Tolerates cooler temperatures in dormancy.
Outdoor, Greenhouse
50% intensity
Feed during growing season.
30% intensity
Use diluted balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Reduce watering in cooler months. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Prune to shape the plant, remove dead or damaged pads, or control its size. Use clean, sharp tools. Pruning is best done in spring.
Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Allow cuttings to callus over for a few days before planting in well-draining soil.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container. Use a pot with drainage holes and fresh cactus mix. Repot in spring.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Arborescent Pricklypear (Opuntia leucotricha)
Where Arborescent Pricklypear (Opuntia leucotricha) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Opuntia |
| Species | Opuntia leucotricha |
Similar in genus Opuntia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
