opuntia robusta

Giant prickly pear, Blue-blade prickly pear.

Care level

Easy

This giant among prickly pears stands out with its massive blue-gray pads that can grow as big as dinner plates. Despite its intimidating size, it produces surprisingly delicate yellow flowers and sweet purple fruits that are a favorite treat in Mexican cuisine.

Care & maintenance

Light

Direct sunlight

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 (0°C - 40°C)

Fertilization frequency

Low

Once per season.

Humidity & watering

Low

Allow the soil to dry between waterings.

An ambiant humidity between 20 and 50% is recommended.

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

Wide/Shallow

Prefer a pot that is wider than it is deep.

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Features

Size & growth

Large

Upright

Slow growth

This plant grows slowly. It can reach 90 to 180 cm in height or spread.

It grows upwards without support.

Toxicity

Toxicity table by species
Cat
Dog
Human
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Reproduction & propagation

Fruits & flowers

Flowering & not self-pollinating

The opuntia robusta 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.

Propagation methods

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