How to Plant a Nopal Cactus

Nopal cactus, also known as prickly pear cactus or Indian fig, is a versatile cactus plant that produces both colorful flowers and a sweet fruit. The nopal cactus is native to the southwestern United States, as well as Mexico and South America. Similar to most members of the cactus family, nopal cactus is hardy and can grown virtually anywhere in wet or dry conditions. Planting a nopal cactus is done simply by removing part of an existing nopal cactus and planting it into the ground.

Potting soil
Nopal cactus
Knife
Tongs or gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the area where you are going to plant the nopal cactus pad. Remove all weeds and add additional potting soil, such as sandy loam, to the area.
- 2
  Cut off one individual pad from an existing nopal cactus for every one that you wish to plant using a knife. Use tongs or well-padded gloves to remove the pad.
- 3
  Lay the pad on a dry surface, preferably in direct sunlight, for a couple of days to allow the pad to dry out somewhat.
- 4
  Place the cut pad of Nopal cactus cut-side down into the area that you previously prepped.
- 5
  Water the surface of the soil just to make it wet so that the pad can settle into the soil.
- 6
  Wait for roots to develop, which should occur within a few weeks.

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