Cactaceae
Purple Pricklypear (Opuntia macrocentra)
Opuntia macrocentra
An easy cactus for full sun: sandy, very free-draining soil, water only when the soil is completely dry, and keep it dry in winter. It needs no pruning or feeding. Handle with care because of the spines and glochids.
Every 14 days
Direct sun
-12° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Purple Pricklypear?
Purple Pricklypear (Opuntia macrocentra) is a easy-care plant from the Cactaceae family. Opuntia macrocentra is a pad-forming cactus from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in desert grassland and scrub at 1000 to 1600 m. It forms low, trunkless clumps 60 to 90 cm tall and up to 1.8 m wide. The bluish-green pads turn purple or magenta in cold weather and...
Purple Pricklypear grows up to 90cm, spread of 180cm, watering every 14 days. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Purple Pricklypear tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Purple Pricklypear is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 28 days.
How to Care for Purple Pricklypear?
TLDR: Purple Pricklypear needs Direct sun, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between -12-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Purple Pricklypear?
Water deeply, then let the soil dry out completely before watering again (every two weeks or less often in summer). Keep it almost dry in winter. Avoid watering on cold, overcast or humid days, since wet roots are the main cause of rot.
How Much Light Does Purple Pricklypear Need?
Full sun, at least 6 hours a day. It tolerates some afternoon shade, but the purple color is strongest in strong light. Indoors it needs your sunniest window.
What Is the Best Soil for Purple Pricklypear?
Sandy, gritty or rocky soil, or cactus mix with plenty of coarse grit. Drainage matters most; acid, neutral and alkaline soils all work.
What Pot Should You Use for Purple Pricklypear?
A wide, fairly shallow terracotta pot with large drainage holes. The plant grows wider rather than taller.
Care Schedule
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Purple Pricklypear and Where Does It Come From?
Opuntia macrocentra is a pad-forming cactus from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in desert grassland and scrub at 1000 to 1600 m. It forms low, trunkless clumps 60 to 90 cm tall and up to 1.8 m wide. The bluish-green pads turn purple or magenta in cold weather and drought, which gives the plant its name. Long dark spines grow mostly from the upper edges of the pads. In spring it bears large yellow flowers with a red center, followed by edible reddish-purple fruit.
How to Propagate Purple Pricklypear?
Pad cutting
Hold the pad with thick gloves or folded newspaper: the glochids stick to skin. Do not water before the cut has callused.
- 1 Cut a whole pad at the joint with a clean knife, holding it with thick gloves or tongs
- 2 Leave the pad in a shaded, dry place for a few days until the cut calluses
- 3 Set the base 2-3 cm deep in dry cactus mix
- 4 Give the first watering after 1-2 weeks, once the pad is firm
Materials needed:
Seed
Seed is slow; pad cuttings are much faster.
- 1 Lightly scarify the seeds with sandpaper
- 2 Sow on the surface of moist, sandy mix
- 3 Keep warm and bright
- 4 Pot on once seedlings form their first pads
Materials needed:
How Big Does Purple Pricklypear Grow?
TLDR: Purple Pricklypear can reach up to 90cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
90cm
Spread
1.8m
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Edible
Can be consumed
Culinary Uses
- The purple fruits are edible once the spines and glochids are removed.
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Purple Pricklypear?
TLDR: Purple Pricklypear is susceptible to 3 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Overwatering
Overwatering occurs when plants receive too much water, depriving roots of oxygen and causing root rot. This environmental stress is one of the most common causes of houseplant death, as waterlogged soil prevents roots from breathing and functioning properly.
Cold Damage
Cold damage, also known as frost injury, occurs when plants are exposed to freezing or near-freezing temperatures. This environmental stress can cause cellular damage as ice crystals form within plant tissues, rupturing cells and disrupting normal plant functions. Chilling injury can also occur in sensitive species at temperatures between 32-55°F (0-10°C), even without actual freezing.
Fun Facts
The name macrocentra means "large spine", for its long dark spines.
Each yellow, red-centered flower lasts about one day.
In the wild, the cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum) is one of its main threats.
Frequently asked questions
Why do the pads turn purple?
Is purple pricklypear toxic to pets?
Can it grow indoors?
How cold-hardy is it?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
