Water
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common cause of root rot. Water thoroughly when you do water, ensuring excess water drains away.
Reduce watering significantly during winter dormancy.
Also known as Indian Fig · Sour Pickle · Tuna
Opuntia tuna, the Elephantear Pricklypear, is a striking succulent native to parts of the Americas, known for its flattened, paddle-like cladodes and vibrant flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade.
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth and flowering.
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.
25% intensity
Overwatering is detrimental; ensure excellent drainage.
Sandy, well-draining
50% intensity
Warm to moderate.
75% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 20-30°C during the growing season. Can tolerate cooler temperatures when dry in winter.
Infrequent
25% intensity
Feed sparingly with a diluted, balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common cause of root rot. Water thoroughly when you do water, ensuring excess water drains away.
Reduce watering significantly during winter dormancy.
Prune to remove damaged or dead pads, or to control size and shape. Use a sharp, clean knife or saw to make cuts flush with the pad. Allow cut surfaces to callus over for a few days before replanting or discarding.
Easily propagated from stem (pad) cuttings. Allow cuttings to callus over for several days to weeks until the cut end is dry and hardened. Plant in well-draining cactus mix and water sparingly until roots form.
Repot every 2-3 years, or when the plant outgrows its container. Use a gritty, well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the root ball. 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 Elephantear Pricklypear (Opuntia tuna)
Where Elephantear Pricklypear (Opuntia tuna) 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 tuna |
Similar in genus Opuntia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
