Indian Fig
Opuntia ficus-indica
A mostly spineless prickly pear prized for its delicious edible fruit and sculptural treelike presence.
Hardy to about 20-25°F, USDA 9-11; a warm low-desert plant grown widely for fruit.
AMWUA Notes
Very drought tolerant, mostly spineless prickly pear valued for edible fruit and pads.
Care Guide
Water established plants monthly at most; nearly spineless but still rot-prone if overwatered.
Remove or harvest pads at the joint to shape the treelike form; wear gloves against the fine glochids despite the lack of spines.
A light spring feeding boosts fruit and pad production but is optional.
Cochineal scale and, occasionally, the cactus moth; remove infestations early.
Sweet edible fruit (tunas) ripen late summer into fall; frost-tender new growth may need protection below 25°F.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Fast-draining decomposed granite or gritty mineral soil; low organic matter
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
Low feeder.
Pads root readily after callusing; also seed
12-18 ft
Shallow, non-invasive roots; mostly spineless but keep the fine glochids off decks
Placement Tips
- •Give ample room for the 18 ft spread as a specimen, screen or orchard plant.
- •Largely spineless so pool-friendly, but keep the glochids off decks.
- •Plant in fast-draining soil.
- •Site where the fruit can be harvested.
Features
Best Uses
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Indian Fig. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Indian Fig — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Indian Fig need in Phoenix?
Indian Fig is a very low-water cactus once established. Water established plants monthly at most; nearly spineless but still rot-prone if overwatered. Very drought tolerant, mostly spineless prickly pear valued for edible fruit and pads.
How big does Indian Fig get?
Expect roughly 12 ft tall and 18 ft wide at maturity, with a slow growth rate. Allow about 12-18 ft of spacing when planting. Shallow, non-invasive roots; mostly spineless but keep the fine glochids off decks.
Can you plant Indian Fig near a pool?
Yes. Indian Fig is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Indian Fig handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Indian Fig is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Hardy to about 20-25°F, USDA 9-11; a warm low-desert plant grown widely for fruit. Sweet edible fruit (tunas) ripen late summer into fall; frost-tender new growth may need protection below 25°F.
Does Indian Fig have thorns?
No. Indian Fig is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Indian Fig safe around pets?
Indian Fig is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Indian Fig bloom in Arizona?
Indian Fig blooms in spring, with yellow-orange flowers.
How much maintenance does Indian Fig need?
Indian Fig is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Remove or harvest pads at the joint to shape the treelike form; wear gloves against the fine glochids despite the lack of spines.
What kind of soil does Indian Fig need?
Fast-draining decomposed granite or gritty mineral soil; low organic matter. Nutrient needs are low. A light spring feeding boosts fruit and pad production but is optional.
Is Indian Fig native to Arizona?
No. Indian Fig is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Horticultural origin, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.