Plant library / Succulents & cacti
Prickly Pear
Opuntia species
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Flat, paddle-shaped segments and tiny barbed glochids — handle with care. A true desert cactus: full sun, gritty soil, and a thorough soak only once it's bone dry.
Toxicity
Safe
Not known to be toxic to cats.
Safe
Not known to be toxic to dogs.
Source — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, toxic and non-toxic plant list; read from this species' own page
Pet-safety information is a general guide from the ASPCA's toxic-plant database and covers cats and dogs only. "If eaten" summarises the symptoms ASPCA lists for that plant; how an animal actually reacts depends on how much it ate and on the animal. It isn't exhaustive, isn't veterinary advice, and individual animals vary — never rely on it as the sole basis for a decision about your pet. If you think your pet has eaten a harmful plant, contact a vet immediately.
Care
- WaterEvery 14–24 days
- LightDirect sun
- HumidityLow humidity
- Temperature10–32 °C
The same interval the Sabz app schedules reminders from. In autumn and winter the app stretches it; see houseplants in autumn.
Common problems
- Wrinkled, softening pads — underwatering — Underwatering →
- Mushy base or spots — overwatering and rot — Root rot →
- Pale, stretched growth — too little light
Similar plants
- Column Cactus unconfirmedCereus repandus
- Pincushion Cactus safeMammillaria fragilis
- Old Man Cactus safeCephalocereus senilis
- Sea Urchin Cactus safeEchinopsis multiplex
In the app
Add a prickly pear to Sabz and the watering interval above becomes a reminder, the toxicity verdict sits on the plant's own page, and when a leaf turns, the Check-up reads what you have actually logged to say why.
Free. No account, no analytics.