SKU: 39138917430
indian fig prickly pear cactus

indian fig prickly pear cactus Barbary Fig

Sale price$18.21 Regular price$20.23
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $5.06 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Sep 25 - Sep 30

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

indian fig prickly pear cactus Barbary Fig(This listing is for 1 pad with no roots) ** PLEASE NOTE PADS VARY IN SIZE ** Introducing the Barbary fig, known as Opuntia ficus indica, a vibrant member of the Opuntia prickly pear genus. The Opuntia ficus indica has several other names such as Indian fig opuntia, sweet prickly pear, smooth mountain prickly pear, cactus pear, and tuna cactus. These names reflect its origin and the presence of spines and prickles on its pads. Opuntia ficus indica is

(This listing is for 1 pad with no roots)

** PLEASE NOTE PADS VARY IN SIZE **

Introducing the Barbary fig, known as Opuntia ficus-indica, a vibrant member of the Opuntia prickly pear genus. The Opuntia ficus-indica has several other names such as Indian fig opuntia, sweet prickly pear, smooth mountain prickly pear, cactus pear, and tuna cactus. These names reflect its origin and the presence of spines and prickles on its pads. 

Opuntia ficus-indica is a species of cactus native to Mexico and is now cultivated in various parts of the world for its edible fruits and ornamental value. In the United States and Mexican markets, the Opuntia fruit is commonly referred to as "tunas or tuna fruit”, and you can find it in various dishes and desserts. Interestingly, in Native American culture, it's often called the "Indian fig." Native Americans have been using this reddish-purple fruit for centuries, incorporating it into their traditional cuisine and medicine. 

Opuntia ficus-indica is a large, branching tree-like plant that can grow up to 6 to 16 feet tall; with a base that becomes woody and brown, growing out in all directions.

The plant features flat, oval-shaped, bluish-green pads, known as cladodes, that are covered in spines and glochids, which are small, hair-like prickles.

This spineless cactus has pads; that are up to 2 feet wide. They have tiny, cylindrical leaves that are shed when new pads sprout, leaving the green stem for photosynthesis. Each pad has areoles and growth points for spines, flowers, and new shoots. 

The flowers of Opuntia ficus-indica are vibrant and typically in shades of yellow, orange, or red. The flowers are large and often appear at the edges of the pads during spring to late summer. They have multiple petals and a prominent central stigma, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. 

When and How to Water Your Opuntia Ficus Indica 

When it comes to watering your Opuntia species, it's important to strike a balance. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the pads to shrivel and become dehydrated. 

In the spring and summer, during the growing season, this Opuntia ficus-indica appreciates regular watering. Aim to water it deeply once every two to three weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. When you do water, make sure to saturate the soil thoroughly, allowing the water to reach the roots. 

In the fall and winter, during the Opuntia ficus-indica dormant season, the watering frequency should be reduced. This barbary fig goes into a period of rest during this time, so it requires less water. Watering once a month or even less frequently should be sufficient. Again, always check the soil's moisture level before watering to avoid overwatering. 

It's worth mentioning that the watering needs can vary depending on factors like the climate, temperature, and the specific conditions of the barbary fig's environment. Observing your Opuntia ficus-india and adjusting the watering schedule accordingly is key to maintaining its health. Remember, it's always better to underwater than to overwater. If in doubt, it's safer to err on the side of caution and water less frequently. 

Light Requirements - Where to Place Your Barbary Fig 

Opuntia ficus-indica barbary fig is a sun-loving cactus. It thrives in bright, direct sunlight and enjoys being exposed to several hours of sunshine each day. Placing it near a south-facing window or in a spot with ample natural light is ideal. 

If you're growing your barbary fig indoors, it's important to mimic its natural sunlight conditions as best as possible. You can achieve this by placing your Opuntia ficus-indica near a window that receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day.

If direct sunlight is limited, you can supplement with artificial grow lights to provide the necessary light intensity. 

If grown outdoors, the Opuntia ficus-indica can tolerate full sun exposure without any issues.

Just make sure to acclimate it gradually to direct sunlight if you're moving it from a shaded area to a sunnier spot. 

This will help prevent sunburn and allow your cactus plant to adjust to the increased light levels.

If you notice signs of sunburn, such as yellowing or browning of the pads, you may need to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day. 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

Like all other prickly pear cacti, the Opuntia ficus-indica prefers well-draining soil that allows excess water to flow through easily. A mixture of sandy soil and cactus potting mix works well for your barbary fig plant. You can also add some perlite or pumice to the soil mix to improve drainage further. This helps prevent the roots from sitting in water, which can lead to root rot. Planet Desert specializes in succulents and has specialized cactus potting soil that includes an organic substrate with mycorrhizae to help with the growth of a healthy root system to help your Opuntia cactus thrive. 

When it comes to fertilizer, the Opuntia ficus-indica doesn't require frequent or heavy feeding. Too much fertilizer can actually harm the Opuntia species. A general rule of thumb is to fertilize the barbary fig sparingly, only during the growing season, which is typically spring. 

You can use a balanced (5-10-5), water-soluble NPK fertilizer specifically formulated for cacti. Follow the instructions and apply it to the soil once a year. Be sure to water your Opuntia ficus-indica thoroughly before applying the fertilizer to avoid any potential root burn. 

Hardiness Zone & More 

If you are growing your Opuntia ficus-indica indoors, it is generally comfortable in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. However, it can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures down to around 50°F and warmer temperatures up to 85°F.

Just make sure to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations, as this can stress the barbary fig. It can tolerate average indoor humidity levels, which usually range from 40% to 60%. However, your Opuntia ficus-indica can also handle lower humidity levels, as long as it receives adequate watering. Just be cautious of excessively dry conditions, as this can cause the cactus to dry out and become dehydrated. 

If you are living in USDA zones 8-12, you can grow your Opuntia ficus-indica outdoors year-round; where the minimum average winter temperatures range from 20°F to 40°F. However, Opuntia fragilis can tolerate colder temperatures down to zone 4 with proper protection. 

It enjoys temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F during the growing season. However, it can endure higher temperatures up to 100°F as long as it receives adequate water and protection from intense sunlight. It can handle low humidity levels and is adapted to thrive in dry conditions. However, it can also tolerate higher humidity levels, as long as the soil is well-drained to prevent excess moisture around the roots. 

Wildlife - Barbery Fig Attracts the Following Friendly Pollinators

The Barbery Fig attracts a variety of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These pollinators are crucial for the plant's fruit production, ensuring the development of its famous edible prickly pears. In regions where hummingbirds are prevalent, their attraction to the bright blooms enhances cross-pollination.

Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Lady Bugs
Multi Pollinators
Other Birds

According to ASPCA, the Opuntia ficus-indica is considered non-toxic to humans, cats, and, dogs. In fact, some bird species enjoy feeding on its fruits, making it a bird-friendly addition to your garden. For outdoor gardens, ensure adequate supervision to avoid any unwanted interactions with the spines.

How to Propagate Your Opuntia Ficus-indica

The Opuntia ficus-indica can be propagated through stem cuttings and seeds. The seeds can be collected from the prickly pear cactus fruits and sown in suitable soil conditions. Plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, then gradually reduce watering as the seedlings grow.

Key Takeaways

  1. Barbary Fig pads are easy to propagate from cuttings. With proper care, they can root within 2-4 weeks, making them a popular choice for succulent enthusiasts and beginners alike.
  2. The pads (known as nopales) and fruits are edible and highly nutritious, commonly used in Mexican cuisine. They are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, making them a functional addition to gardens focused on edible plants.
  3. Adapted to arid environments, the Barbary Fig thrives in dry conditions with minimal watering. It’s an excellent choice for xeriscaping and requires well-draining soil to prevent rot.
  4. The flowers of the Barbary Fig are a favorite among bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting pollinator populations while enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.
  5. This plant thrives outdoors in USDA zones 8-12. For cooler climates, it can be grown in pots and moved indoors during colder months, where it continues to adapt well to indoor environments.

The Bottom Line 

Overall, the Opuntia ficus-indica (Barbary fig) is a captivating cactus that offers both ornamental beauty and delicious edible fruits. With its tall, branching structure and flat, spiny pads, the ficus-indica grows up to 16 feet tall. The vibrant and showy flowers attract pollinators and add a splash of color. Whether you're a plant enthusiast looking for a visually appealing addition to your collection or a fruit lover eager to enjoy the tasty prickly pears, Opuntia ficus-indica is a fantastic choice. Just remember to handle this drought-tolerant opuntia Ficus-indica with proper care due to its spines and glochids. So, if you're considering adding a touch of desert charm to your garden or want to explore the culinary possibilities of this cactus, Opuntia ficus-indica won't be disappointed! 

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 39138917430

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell indian fig prickly pear cactus

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.5 ★★★★★
Based on 21 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
D
Verified Purchase
Dana S Kroeger
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
Love this version of Chuck It beyond all before
Size: Mini
I had the longer bendable Chuck It before, well several, which broke down. They finally wouldn’t’ release the ball. Not disparaging Chuck It. They have been my furry puppy's favorite thing ever. I am grateful. But what I like and think is intuitive about this smaller design is 2 things: 1. I can do a more dynamic throw. 2. There are circle holes in the Chuck It Ball that come with it that I think allow for easier release and the ball can go father. Just my two cents.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2026
T
Verified Purchase
Tish
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 3
Still Good to Use in a Pinch
Size: Mini
Love the Chuck it brand. This collapsible one is not my favorite. Everytime I chuck it, the orange lock does not stay in place. Plus, in my opinion, it doesn't have the oomph for the distance like the other medium ones. Still good though
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2026
W
Verified Purchase
wild animals
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Best toy, the end
Style: Sport, Size: 12in, Style: Sport, Size: 12in
Combined with the Max Glow ball, this is the best dog toy available on modern planet Earth. I have a burly 92lb. pit bull mix with highly developed prey drive, and she will chase the glow ball for hours if I let her. The tiny sport launcher (Sport 12M) is the best, because you can still throw the ball really far, but you can also slam the ball down a few feet away from yourself so it bounces up in the air and your dog has to jump to catch it, or you can throw it up really high so it bounces 15' away or so and your dog can jump to catch it. We sometimes have to play fetch in a pretty small area, so it's nice to have the small launcher for these games. The larger launchers aren't as fun in small areas. You can play the same games but it's trickier to throw the ball correctly. Also, the small launcher is a lot easier to carry. The small launcher fits in my dog-walk-stuff backpack (with the ball in the launcher so I don't have to dig for it later), but the big ones don't easily. The launcher also has a hole in the end so you can hang it from your bag or whatever with a carabiner. The big ones are too long for that in most cases, and swing back and forth. Also-also my dog loves to ask for the launcher, then when I give it to her she plays keep-away and it's adorable. The big launcher I have is harder for her to balance in her mouth, so she just lays down and chews on it until it gets taken away. She's chewed on all of the four Chuck Its we've owned, but she's only broken one (a big one), but that's because she got ahold of it when no one was home. The little one in my bag is totally chewed up but still works great. I think they're sturdier than the big ones. Except for the launcher she chewed into pieces, which was our fault, the only reason we've had to replace anything was because we lost it. Usually we keep the launcher and ball in the backpack so she can't get to them and so they don't get lost, so we rarely have to replace them. There is just not a better value in toys, and the startup price is really low. Once again I really recommend the glow ball! It doesn't get soggy no matter how wet the grass or the dog mouth is. It is fun to chase because it is slippery and it collapses when it's squeezed, so it pops out of the dog's mouth and flies away if they bite it at the wrong angle; it's really bouncy, and stays bouncy because it can't be popped; it whistles so you can usually hear it even if you can't see it; and it really glows enough for nighttime catch, even if you only have your cellphone flashlight to charge it up! UPDATE: I should have said, we have the 12M launcher, which means the handle is 12 inches long and it uses a medium-sized ball. The medium ball is 2.5 inches in diameter, so the launcher will fit regular tennis balls, too! But my dog won't play with regular tennis balls anymore because they aren't anywhere near as fun as the glow balls, and I think she doesn't like having gross sloshy muddy tennis balls in her mouth. I lost my short launcher awhile back and could only get a long one locally to replace it, which reminded me that you have to lean over a lot further to use the short launcher. So if you have trouble leaning over to the point that your hand is a foot above the ground, this may be hard for you to use. I wish Amazon would let us choose colors, because my old one was green, and the big one is orange, both of which are bright enough to see in the grass from far away, even at night. Still, best toy!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2017
A
Verified Purchase
Amazon Fan
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
Highly recommend.
Style: Sport, Size: 12in
Love this. Dog sitting for a dog that loves to chase balls but my shoulder doesn’t like throwing them. Got this yesterday and it’s perfect. Real arm/shoulder saver. Seems sturdy and I was concerned that a standard tennis ball would not work. We tend to lose balls when walking because this lab insists on carrying the ball in its mouth. They work.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2026
D
Verified Purchase
Dobelvr
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
These are awesome and I couldn't play ball with my Dobermans without it!
Style: Sport, Size: 12in
I LOVE Chuckit ball launchers. We've been using for a around 17 years and we've only had to replace one. We have 2 active, energetic Dobermans and I throw like a girl and there is now way I can throw a ball very far. With the Chuckit, I can throw more than 80 feet! My dogs need a lot of exercise and using this ball thrower allows me to make that happen. Bonus is I dont have to pick up a snobbery ball :)
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2026

recommand products