Photo: Matt BergerCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Beavertail Cactus Plant Care
Opuntia basilaris Engelm. & J.M.Bigelow
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Opuntia basilaris, the beavertail cactus or beavertail pricklypear, is a cactus species found in the southwest United States. It occurs mostly in the Mojave, Anza-Borrego, and Colorado Deserts, as well as in the Colorado Plateau and northwest Mexico.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
50–100°F
10–40%
At a glance
How do you care for Beavertail Cactus?
Water Beavertail Cactus every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–100°F (10–38°C) and 10–40% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Where Is the Beavertail Cactus Native To?
What Is the Beavertail Cactus?
Beavertail Cactus (Opuntia basilaris) belongs to the Cactaceae family within the Opuntia genus. Beavertail Cactus is native to the southwest United States. Beavertail Cactus is also known as Prickly Pear.
Beavertail Cactus displays a low, spreading cactus growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Beavertail Cactus produces bright yellow, red, or pink blooms.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Beavertail Cactus?
Opuntia basilaris requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Beavertail Cactus Need?
Beavertail Cactus thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Beavertail Cactus Prefer?
Opuntia basilaris grows best at temperatures of 50–100°F. Beavertail Cactus prefers humidity levels of 10–40%.
Temperature
50–100°F
Humidity
10–40%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Beavertail Cactus?
Sandy, well-draining cactus mix with perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Beavertail Cactus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Beavertail Cactus?
Feed Beavertail Cactus every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Beavertail Cactus?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Beavertail Cactus?
Beavertail Cactus can be propagated through stem cuttings, pads, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to prickly pear cactus plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Beavertail Cactus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list, which covers Opuntia species (which includes Beavertail Cactus). View the ASPCA entry
Non-toxic to humans and pets
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Beavertail Cactus?
Beavertail Cactus is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Beavertail Cactus Need?
Beavertail Cactus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Beavertail Cactus is native to the southwest United States.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Beavertail Cactus is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Opuntia genus — compare its care with other Opuntia species on PlantoScan.
Opuntia is part of the Cactaceae plant family — browse all Cactaceae genera and species.
Beavertail Cactus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Opuntia basilaris Engelm. & J.M.Bigelow, family Cactaceae (first published in in Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 3: 298–299. 1856.) — World Flora Online record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Opuntia species (which includes Beavertail Cactus) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Matt Berger, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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