Introducing the beavertail cactus, known as Opuntia basilaris, a vibrant member of the genus Opuntia Prickly pear cactus.

Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico and Colorado Deserts, the Beavertail Cactus gets its name from its unique flattened pads that resemble the shape of a beaver's tail. The beavertail cactus is sometimes referred to as the "beavertail prickly pear" because they belong to the same prickly pear family (Opuntia species).

The Opuntia basilaris is a sight to behold with its vibrant colors and interesting texture. A single plant may consist of hundreds of fleshy, flattened pads. Unlike other prickly pears, its pads are typically blue-gray in color and covered in small, barbed bristles that give it a velvety appearance.

The beavertail cactus Opuntia basilaris, can grow up to 2 feet tall and 4 feet wide. This cactus beavertail prickly pear is a relatively compact cactus, perfect for adding a touch of desert beauty to your indoor or outdoor space.

The flowers of the beavertail cactus add a burst of vibrant color to the desert landscape from spring to early summer. These flowers are typically pink to magenta in color and are absolutely stunning. They emerge from the edges of the cactus pads, creating a beautiful contrast against the greenish-blue backdrop. The cactus with purple flowers is not only visually appealing, but it also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding even more life to your garden.

You can propagate the beavertail cactus through stem cuttings or seeds. You can collect the large seeds from the mature fruit of the cactus and plant them in a suitable growing medium. With a little patience and care, you can grow new beavertail cacti and expand your desert plant collection.

Additionally, the beavertail cactus Opuntia basilaris, is friendly to both humans and pets. This makes it a great choice for gardens or indoor spaces where children and pets may be present.

Watering Needs 

The beavertail cactus has low watering needs, making it a great choice for those who prefer low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants. It's adapted to survive in arid desert conditions, which means it can handle drought-like conditions like a champ. It has the ability to store water in its pads, allowing it to tolerate long periods of dryness. 

In the spring and summer, during the growing season, you can water your beavertail cactus Opuntia basilaris, once every two to three weeks. However, it's crucial to adjust the watering frequency based on the environmental conditions and the moisture level of the soil.

In the fall and winter, during the dormant period, the Beavertail cactus requires less water. Reduce the frequency of watering to once every four to six weeks, or even less, depending on the conditions. It's crucial to let the soil dry out completely between waterings to mimic its natural habitat.

Remember, it's easier to revive an underwater cactus than an overwatered one. So, when in doubt, it's better to err on the side of underwatering. 

Light Requirement 

If growing indoors, find a sunny spot for your beavertail cactus Opuntia basilaris, preferably near a south-facing window. If you don't have a south-facing window, a west- or east-facing window can also work well. If you notice your cactus leaning towards the light, simply rotate it every few weeks to ensure even growth.

When grown outdoors, the beavertail cactus loves lots of bright sunlight! It thrives in full sun to partial shade, so make sure to place it in a sunny spot where it can soak up those rays. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal for this desert beauty. Just be careful not to expose it to intense, scorching sunlight for extended periods, as it can cause sunburn. However, it's important to strike a balance, as too much shade can lead to weak growth and elongated stems.

With the right amount of sunlight, your beavertail cactus will flourish and show off its vibrant colors! 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

When it comes to the soil for your beavertail cactus plants, it's important to use well-draining soil. Planting them in ordinary soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and, most likely, root rot. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally, use our specialized cactus potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your beavertail cactus Opuntia basilaris to thrive. 

As for fertilizer, you can use a diluted, balanced (5-10-5) NPK fertilizer once a year during the growing season in the spring. Just be careful not to over-fertilize, as cacti generally prefer lean soil. Following these soil and fertilizer guidelines will help your beavertail cactus thrive and stay happy and healthy! 

Hardiness Zone & More 

When growing your Opuntia basilaris beavertail cactus indoors, the Beaver Tail cactus can adapt well to a variety of room temperatures. It generally prefers temperatures between 65°F and 80°F. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures during the winter months, but it's important to keep it away from drafts or cold windowsills. As for humidity, the Beaver Tail cactus is native to arid regions, so it doesn't require high humidity levels. Average indoor humidity is usually sufficient for its needs.

If you are living in USDA zones 7 - 10, you can grow your beavertail cactus outdoors year-round. This means it can tolerate temperatures ranging from 25°F. It's a tough little beavertail prickly pear that can handle the heat! 

If you live in a colder region, you can still grow the Beaver Tail cactus outdoors during the warmer months and bring it indoors during winter to protect it from freezing temperatures.

The Bottom Line

Overall, the Beaver Tail cactus (Opuntia basilaris) is a popular prickly pear with its flattened, paddle-like stems resembling a beaver's tail, is a unique and striking plant. It is low-maintenance, requiring well-draining soil, infrequent watering, and plenty of sunlight. It can be grown indoors or outdoors, depending on your climate. Overall, the Beaver Tail cactus is a fascinating and adaptable plant that adds desert charm to any space.

Be sure to add Beavertail cactus - Opuntia basilaris for sale to your collection today and elevate the beauty of your home or garden with this stunning-looking plant.