How to Care for an African Pear Cactus

Pear cacti (Opuntia spp.) are not native to Africa. In fact, they are native to the western United States and parts of South America and Mexico. In South Africa, however, they grow and spread like weeds and are often called African pear cactuses. In the states, they are usually called prickly pear cactuses. The plant varies widely in appearance depending on the species and is desirable for its showy, colorful flowers and sweet fruit.

Planting medium made for cacti or succulents
Watering tool

Instructions

- 1
  Cultivate your cactus in well-draining soil. Potted cacti should be grown in a cactus or succulent planting medium. These usually contain a large percentage of sand or perlite to aid in drainage.
- 2
  Place your cactus where it will be exposed to full sunlight. These plants need sunlight all day in order to produce flowers and fruit.
- 3
  Water sparingly. Pear cacti thrive in hot drought conditions and will not tolerate wet soil for very long. Watch the flat pads. If they start to shrivel, they need water. Still, err on the side of caution. If pear cacti are left sitting in wet soil on a continual basis, they will develop root rot and die.
- 4
  Harvest the berries in mid-to-late summer when they are red or purple. Twist them off the plant. They can be eaten raw, cooked or made into jelly.

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