Opuntia macrocentra aka Black-Spined Prickly 🍐Pear

Opuntia | Updated: January 25, 2025

This large cactus shrub spreads out wide before growing tall, adding color to an outdoor garden. It has large, green pads with purple stems. When happily stressed, the pads can turn a purple color, too. Watch for reddish flowers in the Spring.

Quick Guide

Full sun ☀️
Typical water needs for a succulent
Plant grows up to 3′ (90 cm) tall
Plant grows up to 6′ (180 cm) wide
Zone 5a (Minimum -20°F | -28.8° C)
Not cold hardy
Propagation by stem cuttings and seeds
Generally non-toxic to people and pets
Winter Dormant

How to 🩷 Care for and Propagate Your 🪴 Succulents

General Care for Opuntia macrocentra aka Black-Spined Pricklypear

Opuntia macrocentra aka Black-Spined Pricklypear is well-suited for rock gardens and xeriscaped yards. It is deer-resistant and attracts hummingbirds with its flowers.

Watering

Black-Spined Pricklypear has typical succulent watering needs. Use the soak and dry method, allowing the soil to completely dry out between waterings.

Where to Plant

This prickly pear is cold hardy down to 10°F (-12.2°C). It thrives in full to partial sun.

Plant in an area receiving at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Indoors, place near a southern-facing window for adequate sunlight (Northern Hemisphere).

How to Propagate Opuntia macrocentra aka Black-Spined Pricklypear

Propagation of Black-Spined Pricklypear can be done through stem cuttings or seeds.

Cuttings

Take stem cuttings using a sterile, sharp knife or scissors. Allow the cut end to callous for several days before planting in well-draining soil. Water when the soil is completely dry.

Seeds

Sow seeds in well-draining soil. Outdoor sowing is suitable for zones above 9a; for cooler areas, start indoors under a grow light or seed mat.

Tags & Attributes

black, purple, ☀️full sun, 🌵cactus

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Genus: Opuntia
Species: O. macrocentra