Opuntia basilaris var. caudata

Highlights

Opuntia basilaris var. caudata: Turquoise pads with tints of purple that intensify in winter, then display brilliant carmine flowers in spring. Hardy to near zero or lower. Also called Compact Beaver Tail Cactus.

One order = one cactus pad - Small SHIPPED UNROOTED

CAUTION: Opuntia species have fine, barbed bristles called glochids. Glochids easily detach and can become loose in the box during shipping. They will pierce skin and leather gloves, so use tongs when handling and see our Opuntia Planting Guide for more tips.

Opuntia need plenty of full, outdoor sunlight and great drainage to thrive. They do well in gritty, mineral soils and pots with drainage holes. Over time you'll see new pads sprout from the plant, soon followed by its showy blooms.

Opuntia can tolerate high heat and extended drought and can eventually develop into a wide, shrubby living fence. They are frost hardy and will happily thrive through winter under an insulating blanket of snow. Protect from heavy rains and standing water to prevent rot.

Pads are not guaranteed to root, but our Opuntia Planting Guide can help increase the success rate.

Full Opuntia Guide

Product Size

Unrooted / Bare Root

Current Primary Color

Green

All Seasonal Colors

Purple / Black

Bloom Color

Yellow Bloom

Grow Zone (Hardiness)

Zone 7 (0F), Zone 8 (10F), Zone 9 (20F), Zone 10 (30F)

Recommended Light Conditions

Full Sun

Maximum Height

Over 12"

Growth Habit / Shape

Shrub

Seasonality

Winter Dormant Partial

Special Characteristic

Hard to Kill, Showy Blooms

Size of Cutting(s)

4"-5"

THIS PLANT IS HARDY IN ZONES 7 - 10

7 8 9 10

WHAT IS MY HARDINESS ZONE?

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Popular Questions

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3 years ago

WHAT CACTI IS GOOD FOR ZONE 7 See answer

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Hello!

Opuntia cactus are great for zone 7 and even for a few zones below 7. They get large, flower beautifully and can survive sub zero temperatures! I hope this helps. See full answer »

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4 years ago

How do I plant Opuntia cactus pads? See answer

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4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Opuntia (Prickly Pear) Cactus are a wonderful frost hardy option for low-water landscapes. They arrive as unrooted pads or paddles, ready to plant and grow roots. Remember to always use tongs to handle Opuntia as its barbed glochids can pierce skin and leather gloves. Each order of Opuntia comes with a detailed care guide detailing the following planting steps.

How to Plant Opuntia Cactus

1. Pick a location with 6+ hours of full sun each day and gritty, well-draining soil
2. Dig a hole about 2"-3" wide and deep to fit bottom third of the pad…

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3 years ago

Which Opuntia are hardy in zone7 See answer

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Hi there!

I have a few recommendations for you. These Opuntia that I'm linking you to are actually below zone 7. They're zone 6 and there's one that's even zone 5! However, they should survive very well in zone 7 too.
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/wate... See full answer »

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4 years ago

What are Opuntia (Prickly Pear) Cacti? See answer

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4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Browse all available Opuntia here.

Opuntia (oh-PUN-tee-uh) (Prickly Pear Cactus) are known for bright red fruits and abundant, showy blooms. They are easy to grow and maintain, even in regions too cold and wet for other cacti. Their quirky, sculptural appearance make for eye-catching silhouettes in the garden.

APPEARANCE … See full answer »

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3 years ago

When is the best time to establish a new plant? To improve drainage at the site should sand be added to the soil? See answer

Spring or Fall? When is the best time to plant? See more »

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

These pads are best planted in the spring and summer months. Warm weather helps them root.

Sand would be a great addition to Opuntia soil and you could even add smaller gravel as well. See full answer »

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3 years ago

do you have an bright orange prickly pear cactus See answer

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3 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Hi there!

We have sold orange flowered prickly pear cactus in the past, but we're currently out of stock. I'll attach a link to this post that should take you to our prickly pear store page. It's pretty lacking right now, but check back in every once and a while and we might have them in stock again.
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/pric... See full answer »

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4 years ago

What kind of soil should I use with succulents? See answer

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4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Shop Succulent Soil Here

Succulents need grittier soil than other plants because they are adapted to dry conditions and store water in their leaves. Regular potting soil mixes stay damp for long periods of time, which can cause rot in succulents. Instead, use a sandy, well-draining soil so you can water thoroughly without leaving your succulent in standing water.

IN POTS…

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4 years ago

When should I plant my succulents after they arrive? See answer

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4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Our plants can be transplanted immediately upon arrival.
If you want to wait to transplant, they can remain in their original containers for up to a month. If the pots came in a plastic carrier tray, remove the pots from the carrier tray prior to the first watering.

Keep the plants indoors near a sunny window or outdoors under a roof (only if outdoor temperatures stay above your succulent's minimum hardiness temperature). Water only after the soil is fully dry by drenching from above with a faucet, hose, or watering can. Gently shake excess water from the leaves and allow containers to drain completely.

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4 years ago

Do I need to fertilize succulents? See answer

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4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Fertilizing is not necessary, but it is a good option for succulent growers who want to encourage faster, larger growth. It can be used on mature plants with established roots. Only fertilize in the growing season (spring and summer for most varieties) to avoid weakening or burning dormant plants. Use a light touch and make 2-3 applications of low-Nitrogen, diluted fertilizer each year (N-P-K ratio around 5-10-10). You can find specially-formulated cactus / succulent fertilizers in most garden centers or go organic with compost tea or bone meal.

Example: Miracle-Gro Quick Start, diluted to half strength

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4 years ago

How to water succulents? See answer

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4 years ago  •  Staff Answer

Succulents need deep, infrequent watering, especially during their growing season and when they are young and establishing roots. Only water after the soil is completely dry and the plant feels less firm. Err on the side of underwatering. Watering too frequently is the most common way to kill succulents.

HOW TO WATER SUCCULENTS

• Drench from above using a faucet, hose, or watering can
• Do not mist with a spray bottle (the only exception is for Air Plants)
• Water until it drains from the container's drainage hole. If your container does not have a drainage hole (not recommended), use about 1/3 the volume of the container…

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