This cactus is highly adaptable and can tolerate both low temperatures and extreme heat. Its bright green pads spread out as it grows, creating a large shrub. You may even see pink flowers blooming in the spring.
Table of Contents
Care and Propagation Information
Opuntia ‘Pink Frost’ is an ideal choice for rock gardens or dry, low-water landscaping. As it matures it will grow into a small bush-like shape, so it’s important to ensure that it is planted in a spot where the soil drains well.
Watering
For optimal care of the Opuntia ‘Pink Frost’ succulent, the “soak and dry” method of watering is recommended. This means allowing the soil to dry out fully between waterings, and avoiding giving too much water.
Where to Plant
Pink Frost is capable of withstanding both hot and cold climates. It prefers to be in full sun and is able to survive even in harsh winter conditions as low as 0°F (-17.7°C).
Put the plant in an outdoor spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day; this type of plant cannot be cultivated indoors.
How to Propagate Opuntia ‘Pink Frost’
Cuttings from Opuntia ‘Pink Frost’ can be used to create new plants.
Cuttings
To propagate ‘Pink Frost’ from cuttings, take a clean, sharp tool and cut a stem from the main plant. Let it sit for a few days until it has formed a callous before planting it in soil that drains well. Make sure to water it only when the soil is completely dry.
To find out the right way to propagate cactus pads, read this article.
Learn how to safely handle Opuntia here.
Care and Propagation Information
General Care for Opuntia ‘Pink Frost’
Watering
For optimal care of the Opuntia ‘Pink Frost’ succulent, the “soak and dry” method of watering is recommended. This means allowing the soil to dry out fully between waterings, and avoiding giving too much water.
Where to Plant
Pink Frost is capable of withstanding both hot and cold climates. It prefers to be in full sun and is able to survive even in harsh winter conditions as low as 0°F (-17.7°C).
Put the plant in an outdoor spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day; this type of plant cannot be cultivated indoors.
How to Propagate Opuntia ‘Pink Frost’
Cuttings from Opuntia ‘Pink Frost’ can be used to create new plants.
Cuttings
To propagate ‘Pink Frost’ from cuttings, take a clean, sharp tool and cut a stem from the main plant. Let it sit for a few days until it has formed a callous before planting it in soil that drains well. Make sure to water it only when the soil is completely dry.
To find out the right way to propagate cactus pads, read this article.
Learn how to safely handle Opuntia here.
FAQ
What is the most cold hardy Opuntia?
Opuntia stricta, which can be found growing natively as far north as North Carolina and Virginia, is the biggest and tallest of the cold-tolerant prickly pears. The fruit of this plant typically are about 3 inches long and 2 inches wide.
Can Opuntia survive frost?
The great thing about this type of Opuntia is that they are capable of enduring cold temperatures and some of them even thrive in the frost! I obtained some from Tom a while back and they have managed to survive in a blanket of snow for a few weeks.
How cold is too cold for prickly pear cactus?
The prickly pear cactus is hardier than other cacti, able to tolerate cold temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Nevertheless, it prefers warm and dry conditions, as do other cacti, and will grow more vigorously and bloom more profusely under such conditions.
How cold hardy is prickly pear cactus?
The prickly pear cactus is tougher than other cacti, able to tolerate cold temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. However, to get the most out of this plant, it is best to grow it in a warm, dry climate, since this will allow it to reach its fullest size and bloom more flowers.
Are all Opuntia cold hardy?
The various cacti in the pots around us were grown by Kelly. What’s really special about Opuntias is that they can handle cold weather and even frost!