Opuntia fragilis ‘Potato Cactus’ — Hardy Prickly Pear

Description

Opuntia fragilis, often called Potato Cactus, is a small hardy prickly pear. It forms low clumps of rounded green pads with sharp spines. It likes bright sun, dry soil, and fast drainage.

Built for Sun and Dry Soil

Grow Potato Cactus in a sunny rock garden, raised bed, or shallow pot. Let the soil dry well between drinks. For another tough succulent, see Sempervivum ‘Blue Ice’.

Simple Care

Use gritty soil and a pot with a drain hole. Too much water can cause rot. Give the plant plenty of air and sun, and use gloves or tongs when you move it.

Its low shape pairs well with upright blue foliage such as Blue Chalksticks. You can also mix it with compact living-stone forms such as Aloinopsis schooneesii.

Cold-Hardy Character

This cactus is known for strong cold tolerance when the soil stays dry. It may wrinkle or change color in winter, then fill out again as warm weather returns.