Moving a 6-Foot Prickly Pear: Pruning for Transport

Pruning Is Fine

A fast-growing Opuntia (prickly pear) in LA moving to NorCal. Safe to remove pads to reduce height.

Guidelines

• Remove ≤50% of pads.
• Cut at joints (not mid-pad).
• Let cuts callus 1 week before move.
• Wrap in cardboard/blankets for transport.

Climate Warning

NorCal "dry" may still freeze. Check minimum winter temps:

• If <25°F: must be houseplant in winter.
• If 25–30°F: protect with frost cloth, south wall.
• If >30°F: likely fine outdoors with drainage.

Post-Move

• Plant in well-drained mound.
• No water 2 weeks.
• Resume dry-cycle watering.

Prickly pears are tough; the move is the main stress.