Are you on the hunt for a unique and eye-catching cactus plant to add to your collection? Look no further than the purple prickly pear cactus, also known as Opuntia macrocentra, which belongs to the Prickly pear family. 

Native to the Sonoran desert and New Mexico, the purple prickly pear is known for its distinctive appearance and vibrant purple pad, which give it its common name. This purple cactus is also referred to as a black spine prickly pear or a long spine prickly pear because of its long, dark spines that protrude from the top of the pad. 

The pads of the purple prickly pear are flat and oval-shaped, with a slightly wavy edge. When it's cold outside or when there is a drought, these pads can turn purple or magenta. When it gets warmer, they return to their original color of blue-green. They can grow up to 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide and are covered in clusters of spines, which are actually modified leaves called glochids. This purple cactus plant spreads sideways more than upwards and does not develop a central trunk. 

The flowers of the purple prickly pear are one of the most eye-catching features of the Opuntia cactus. During the spring and early summer, this purple cactus produces large, showy, beautiful flowers that can range in color from yellow to orange. These bright yellow flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding a burst of color to the landscape. 

To propagate purple prickly pear, you can take stem cuttings and allow them to callus before planting. Here at Planet Desert, you can also get this beautiful purple prickly pear in large clusters.

The fruit of the purple prickly pear cactus, also known as the "tuna," is edible. It has a sweet and juicy flavor similar to other types of prickly pears. However, be careful when handling the fruit, as the cactus pads have spines. Make sure to remove the spines and skin before consuming it. Purple prickly pear can be enjoyed fresh, used in desserts, or made into jams and jellies. 

Watering Needs  

The Purple prickly pears have specific watering needs to thrive. It's important to strike a balance and avoid overwatering. These cacti prefer well-drained soil, so make sure the pot has drainage holes. 

During the growing season, which is typically spring and summer, water the purple prickly pears thoroughly but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Aim to water them every 1-2 weeks, depending on the weather and humidity levels. 

In the cool winter months, when the purple cactus plant is in its dormant period, it reduces watering significantly. Only water it when the soil is completely dry, which may be every 4-6 weeks. It's crucial to avoid waterlogged soil during this time to prevent root rot. 

Remember, it's always a good idea to check the moisture level of the soil before watering. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil, and if it feels dry, it's time to water. Adjust the watering frequency based on the specific needs of your purple prickly pears and the conditions in your environment. 

Light Requirements 

The Purple prickly pears thrive in bright, full sun to partial shade. These Opuntia cacti love basking in the sun, so it's best to place them in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. 

If you're growing purple prickly pears indoors, find a spot near a south-facing window where they can soak up plenty of sunlight. You can also supplement their light needs with a grow light, if necessary, especially during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter. 

While these Purple cacti enjoy abundant sunlight, be cautious of intense, scorching midday sun during the summer. If you notice signs of sunburn, such as yellow or brown patches on the pads, consider providing some light shade during the hottest part of the day. 

Remember, finding the right balance is key. Aim to provide your purple prickly pears with ample sunlight while also protecting them from extreme heat or prolonged exposure to intense sunlight, which can fade their purple color. With the right light conditions, your purple, blue, and green prickly pears will thrive and display their vibrant hues! 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

The Opuntia macrocentra favors very airy, sandy soil that drains well. Planting them in ordinary soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and, most likely, root rot. Instead, make or buy well-drained soil, 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 purple cactus plant to thrive. 

When it comes to fertilizing purple prickly pears, they don't require excessive amounts of nutrients. During the growing season, once a year in the spring, fertilize them with a balanced, water-soluble cactus fertilizer containing an equal amount of NPK (5-10-5). Apply the fertilizer once a year to provide a slow, gentle boost of nutrients. 

However, it's important to avoid overfertilization, as this can lead to excessive growth and weak stems. Remember, it's best to fertilize purple cactus during the active growing season and reduce or stop fertilization altogether during the cold winter months when the cactus is dormant. This will help promote healthy growth and ensure your purple prickly pears remain happy and vibrant. 

Hardiness Zone & More 

The purple prickly pear is a quite frost-resistant cactus, hardy to 20° F. However, in cultivation, it is better not to expose it to temperatures lower than 35 F, even if in an aerated and protected location, in order to avoid the formation of anti-aesthetic spots on the epidermis. USDA Zone 6-10. It can handle extremely high temperatures in summer. 

When it comes to humidity, purple prickly pears are quite drought tolerant and can adapt to varying levels of humidity. However, they generally prefer low to moderate humidity levels. If you live in a humid climate, make sure to provide good air circulation around the purple cactus to prevent excess moisture and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. 

Overall, purple prickly pears are hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures and humidity levels as long as they are provided with the right care and growing conditions. Keep an eye on the weather conditions in your specific region to ensure your purple prickly pears thrive! 

Be sure to Add Purple prickly pear cactus Opuntia macrocentra to your home or garden and enjoy its low maintenance care while admiring its impressive display of yellow flowers year after year.