Propagating Prickly Pear: Cut, Callous, Plant

David wanted to take cuttings from his prickly pear and asked about callousing time and watering.

Simple Protocol

1. Cut a pad at the joint.
2. Let the cut end callous 1–2 weeks in shade.
3. Plant in moist (not wet) cactus mix.
4. Water only when soil is completely dry.
5. Resume regular watering after new growth appears.

Tips

• Opuntias are drought-tolerant—don't overwater.
• Use gloves/tongs to handle glochids.
• Larger pads root faster.

One of the easiest cacti to propagate.