Opuntia engelmannii, commonly known as the desert prickly pear, is a large prickly pear cactus plant belonging to the Cactaceae family. O. engelmannii is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico where it grows in chaparral and desert regions. Each stem of Opuntia engelmannii can grow between 6 to 12 inches tall and 6 to 8 inches wide. The entire plant is sometimes composed of hundreds of bright green pad-like stems that branch from one another. Each pad houses many yellow bristly barbed glochids that easily penetrate skin. Many longer yellow spines also accompany the glochids. Opuntia engelmannii bloom in spring time with bright yellow to red flowers. This prickly pear cactus is grown as an ornamental plant for its drought tolerance and edible fruit. O. engelmannii grows best in full sun to partial shade while sitting in well-draining soils. Water the plant adequately during summer and keep dry during winter. It is a drought-tolerant species and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Allow the soil to completely dry out in between waterings. USDA plant hardiness zones 8b to 10b.
Opuntia engelmannii seeds require consistent moisture and humidity to germinate, but the soil should not remain soaking wet. Cloning boxes, ziplock bags, and other containers that retain humidity are ideal to store sown pots. Use a well-draining sterilized soil mix. Seeds should be sown directly on top of the potting mixture and lightly covered with a thin layer of the potting mix, just enough to cover the seeds. Germinating pots should be kept indoors, out of extreme light and heat. Ideal germination temperatures range from 70°F to 80°F. Germination typically takes 1 to 3 weeks to occur. Even with optimal conditions, germination may be slow and sporadic.
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