Water
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common cause of rot.
Also known as Creeping Prickly-Pear · Creeping-Pear · Eastern Prickly-Pear
Devil's-Tongue (Opuntia humifusa) is a low-growing prickly pear cactus native to eastern North America, featuring bright yellow flowers and edible red fruits.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Requires full sun for best performance and flowering.
100% intensity
At least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce in winter.
30% intensity
Well-draining soil is crucial. Sandy, gritty, or rocky mixes are ideal. Avoid heavy, water-retentive soils.
50% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures during the growing season; tolerates cold when dormant.
70% intensity
Ideal: 18-30°C; Dormant: can withstand freezing.
Outdoor, Greenhouse
50% intensity
Feed sparingly during spring and summer with a diluted cactus fertilizer.
20% intensity
Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common cause of rot.
Pruning is rarely necessary. Remove damaged or dead pads at any time. If propagation is desired, pads can be removed and used.
Easily propagated from cladodes (pads) or seeds. Allow cut pads to callus for a few days before planting in well-draining soil.
Repot only when root-bound, typically every 2-3 years. Use a gritty, well-draining cactus mix and a pot with drainage holes.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Devil's-Tongue (Opuntia humifusa)
Where Devil's-Tongue (Opuntia humifusa) 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 humifusa |
Similar in genus Opuntia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
