How to care for and propagate Opuntia macrocentra Black-spined PricklypearOpuntia macrocentra Black-spined Pricklypear care and propagation informationPin

Opuntia macrocentra

Black-spined Pricklypear, Purple Pricklypear

This large cactus shrub spreads out wide before growing tall, adding color to an outdoor garden. It has large, green pads with purple stems. When happily stressed, the pads can turn a purple color, too. Watch for reddish flowers in the Spring.

Quick Look:

  • Full sun

  • Typical water needs for a succulent. Keep dry in the Winter

  • Plant grows up to 3′ (90 cm) tall
    Plant grows up to 6′ (180 cm) wide

  • Zone 11a (Minimum 10°F | -12.2°C)

  • Not cold hardy

  • Propagation by stem cuttings and seeds

  • Generally non-toxic to people and pets. Be careful around spines

  • Winter Dormant

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Care and Propagation Information

General Care for Opuntia macrocentra “Black-spined Pricklypear”

Opuntia macrocentra “Black-spined Pricklypear” is an excellent rock gardens and xeriscaped yards. It is deer-resistant, and its flowers attract hummingbirds.

Watering

Opuntia macrocentra “Black-spined Pricklypear” has typical watering needs for a succulent. It's best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Where to Plant

“Black-spined Pricklypear” is cold hardy down to 10°F (-12.2° C). It does well in full to partial sun.

Plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day. If planting indoors, place in a room that gets a lot of sunlight, such as near a southern-facing window (if you're in the Northern Hemisphere).

How to Propagate Opuntia macrocentra “Black-spined Pricklypear”

Opuntia macrocentra “Black-spined Pricklypear” can be propagated from stem cuttings or seed.

Cuttings

To grow “Black-spined Pricklypear” from cuttings, use a sterile, sharp knife or pair of scissors. Remove a stem from the main plant, and allow it to callous for several days before placing on well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil has dried out completely.

To learn how to properly propagate cactus pads, take a look at this post.

Seeds

To propagate “Black-spined Pricklypear” from seeds, sow your seeds in a well-draining soil. You can grow Opuntia seeds outdoors if you live in an zone above 9a. If you live in a cooler area, you can begin sowing indoors under a grow light or on a seed mat.