Opuntia elata for Sale | Upright Prickly Pear – CactusWarehouse
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Opuntia elata

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  • Hand-picked cactus icon Hand-picked, packed, and shipped on Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays
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$35.49
Size
A cutting has no roots, while a rooted cactus already has a developed root system

Plant facts

SunlightFull sun to partial shade
WaterLow water. Only when soil is fully dry
USDA zones8, 9, 10, 11, hardy to about 30F
Care levelEasy Care
Mature sizeUpright prickly pear. Commonly 3-5 ft tall and wide in cultivation, developing into a shrub; can reach ~10 ft (3 m) tall over time with room. Flat paddles up to ~2 ft long, 12 in wide. Stays smaller and shrubbier in a pot.
Time to matureModerate grower for an Opuntia; pads add up over a few seasons. No precise per-year figure well documented for this species.
LivesOutdoors
Ships asRooted plant, bare root, no pot or soil
What to expect in the box

Your plant is hand-picked, wrapped in protective kraft paper, and shipped on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. It arrives bare root: a fully rooted plant shipped without a pot or soil, ready to plant right away.

Minor scars or pitting on the skin are normal for hardgrown cacti. Any discoloration near the base is from previous healthy growth in soil and is not a sign of damage.

Cacti can look slightly dull after a few days in a dark box. Color returns within a week or two of bright light. If your area drops below 40F, we recommend adding a heat pack to your order, as one is not automatically included.

The Opuntia elata is a cold-hardy prickly pear with paddle-like pads and golden spines. A resilient, fast-growing cactus ideal for landscapes, containers, and collectors. In spring and summer, it produces vibrant blooms followed by reddish-purple fruit. Native to higher elevations, this species is more cold-tolerant than many others, great for growers looking for hardiness and flair.

This cactus is sold by the paddle! You can order a box of 5, 10, or 15 paddles, each ranging from 4 to 7 inches in length. All paddles are freshly harvested, healthy, and ready to root. No soil or pot included.

Please Note: Our collection includes bare-root WITHOUT any soil or pot and cuttings. Some of our plants may have minor scars, yet each one is guaranteed to arrive in optimal health and excellent condition. Additionally, any discoloration at the base of the cactus, particularly in rooted variants, is a typical result of previous planting in soil. 

Cold Weather Warning

If your area drops below 40°F during the colder months, we highly recommend adding a heat pack to your order, as we don’t automatically include one. This helps keep your plants safe in transit. 🌡️❄️

👉 [Buy Heat Packs Here]

Product Details

Benefits

✔Slow-growing and ideal for landscape use
✔ Produces bright yellow flowers and edible fruit
✔ Golden spines and broad pads create a bold silhouette
✔ Cold-tolerant compared to many other prickly pears
✔ Easy to care for with low water needs

Cactus Care

✔ After Arrival: Let your cactus rest in a shaded, dry area for 3–5 days before planting. Use a gritty, well-draining cactus mix with added perlite or pumice. Hold off on watering for the first week.
✔ Long-Term Care: Thrives in full sun. Water deeply only when the soil is completely dry—about every 2–3 weeks in warm months, and rarely in winter. This cactus loves heat but can tolerate some cold as well.
✔ Hardiness Zone: 8–10. Can survive brief dips into the low 20s°F but should be protected during prolonged freezes.

Shipping & Guarantee

At Cactus Warehouse, we take pride in shipping the healthiest, hand-selected cacti straight from our nursery in Fallbrook, CA. All our cacti are hardgrown and carefully checked to ensure you get the best.

  • Schedule: Orders ship on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
  • Delivery Time: Most orders arrive within 3–5 business days once shipped.
  • Rates: Free shipping on orders $99+ (Continental US). Orders under $99 ship for a flat $9.95.
  • Carriers: We ship via UPS and USPS with full tracking

  • Safe Packaging: Each cactus is wrapped in protective kraft paper to reduce movement. During cold weather, you have the option to add heat packs to keep your plants safe.
  • Care Instructions: Every package includes simple, step-by-step care instructions so you know exactly what to do after arrival.
  • 30-Day Happiness Guarantee: If your cactus doesn’t arrive healthy and happy, we’ll make it right. Email us at info@cactuswarehouse.com and we’ll take care of you.

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Plants Picked With Love

Hi, we're Lisa and Takashi! We started Cactus Warehouse because we care about creating a great experience for people like you.

We know how important it is to get a cactus that's healthy and ready to thrive. Thats's why we take the time to choose and pack each plant with care, making sure it arrives in perfect shape.

When you shop with us, you're supporting a small business that truly cares about its customers. Thank you for trusting us to bring something special into your home!