How to Grow Prickly Pear Cactus

Choose a potted plant for indoors or consider growing the cactus in a rock garden. Read the label for your zone when planting outside; some species are not snow- or frost-resistant.

Provide good drainage with pre-made cactus mix or a mixture of sand and pumice. Place the prickly pear cactus in a location that receives full sun or a small amount of shade.

Water the soil lightly and only when dry.

To grow a new plant from the original one, remove a side pad from its supporting pad with a knife and place one inch in another pot or location. Wear garden gloves when handling.

Let the pad use its own moisture to sprout roots within a month. Watering makes the pad susceptible to rot.

Fertilize prickly pear with a non-nitrogen 0-10-10 fertilizer once a month for more flowers. Use high-nitrogen fertilizer for larger pads.

Grow prickly pear cactus seeds in a shady location until they sprout. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 allowing at least three years for flowers. Buy seeds at a nursery or order online through a seed company.