opuntia
ficus-indica
ficus-indica
Care level
Easy
This gentle giant produces large, sweet fruits that turn from green to vibrant purple-red when ripe, making it a favorite for both ornamental and edible gardens. Unlike its spikier relatives, its pads have very few spines, making it much friendlier to handle and harvest.
Care & maintenance
Light
Light that enters through west or south-facing windows, the most intense light for your interior that will expose plants directly to sunlight.
Temperature
Wide range (-5°C - 40°C)
Fertilization frequency
Low
Once per season.
Soil
Choose a Cactus mix: A gritty, fast-draining mix that prevents water retention. Replicates the sandy, rocky soils of arid regions.
If you want to create your own substrate, you can make a mixture of the following soils:
Click on the soil name for more information.
Pot
Wide/Shallow
Prefer a pot that is wider than it is deep.
Incorrect or incomplete information?
In our goal of building the best plant database, we sometimes make mistakes or have incomplete information. You can help us fill these gaps!
Features
Size & growth
Large
Upright
Moderate growth
This plant grows at a moderate rate. It can reach 90 to 180 cm in height or spread.
It grows upwards without support.
Toxicity
| Cat | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | |||
| Human |
Reproduction & propagation
Fruits & flowers
Flowering & not self-pollinating
The opuntia ficus-indica can produce flowers and therefore fruits.
This plant is not capable of self-pollination, it will not be able to produce fruits if it is not pollinated by another individual.