Opuntia Echios ‘Tree Prickly Pear’

Picture via Davesgarden

Basic Info

Opuntia Echios is also commonly known as the ‘Tree Prickly Pear’. As the plant matures you can expect it to grow up to 4.6 m (15ft) tall and about 120 cm (48″) in diameter. The plant is mostly found in the Galapagos islands making it a rare plant. When it floweres expect it to produce yellow floweres.

Care and Propagation Information

Watering

Opuntia Echios ‘Tree Prickly Pear’ can be quite beautiful when it is well-taken care off. This succulent type needs typical watering as the other succulents. The watering method is very important to keep your Tree Prickley Pear healthy. It should not sit on the water, and an excess amount of water should be avoided. The best way of watering is soak and dry method this succulent. Yet, the succulent should be controlled to avoid overwatering.

General Care for Opuntia Echios ‘Tree Prickly Pear’

This succulent type is known for its pear shape. It is a beautiful cactus that can mostly be found in nature.

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Quick Facts:

  • Prefers full sun
  • Can be grown outdoor
  • Grows 4.6 m (15ft) tall
  • Grows up to 120 cm (48″) wide
  • Can die easily if overwatered see: How to Water Succulent Plants
  • Does not handle cold well
  • Prefers Zone 9a-11b -6.7 °C (20 F)
  • Best propagated by seeds and cuttings
  • Flower color is yellow

Where to Plant

Opuntia Echios ‘Tree Prickly Pear’ succulents need strong light. When planting this succulent type in a garden, make sure it gets sunlight. Full to partial sun is the best for its growth. It is better to grow outdoor rather than indoor.

This type of succulent prefers a warm climate. It can survive at zone 9a-11b which is around -6.7 °C (20 °F). If you live in a cold area, it is better to plant Tree Prickly Pear in an indoor environment. As long as it gets enough sunlight, the plant will grow happily.

How to Propagate Opuntia Echios ‘Tree Prickly Pear’

The succulent can be propagated by seeds. This succulent type does not require repotting often. Of course, the first-time repotting is essential when it is bought from the store.

Like all the other succulent types, a well-drained soil mixture is essential. If you want to know about well-drained soil mixtures, check How to Prepare Well-drained Soil for Succulent Plants.

How to Propagate Opuntia Echios ‘Tree Prickly Pear’ Using Seeds

This succulent type is a slow grower so even if it can be propagated by its seeds, this method is not recommended. To propagate from the seeds, plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture. This method can be used outdoors. In cooler areas, indoor propagating is recommended.

Origin and Habitat

The Tree Prickly Pear is native to Galápagos Islands (Ecuador)