Prickly Pear Optunia Cactus - Rooted Plant + and similar items

This listing is not for cuttings, pads, or seeds, but an actual established ROOTED PLANT. I have many sizes of prickly pear so please select the one right for you :) Prickly Pear (Opuntia cochenillifera) is a beautiful and hardy cactus. Outdoor hardy from zones 4 -10. It will produce an edible reddish pink fruit, even the pads are edible if they are peeled. It goes through many stages throughout the year, pictured is how it looks during the different stages. Outdoors it can grow up to six feet tall. If you live in a colder climate you can container grow this cactus so you can move it inside during extended periods of snow, although I know many people that say the winter does not bother their cactus at all. You can see the plants have short rubbery looking spikes that will eventually turn into glochid spines. Prickly Pear Cactus is normally quite a low maintenance plant and is normally very easy to grow - great for beginner gardeners! The pads (tuna) and fruit (nopal) are edible and there are many different preparation options. It has medicinal uses as well. Prickly pear cactus is promoted for treating diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and hangovers. It is also known for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. This item is shipped with moist towel. The towel is meant to dry during shipping to prevent root rot. **Shipping** I combine shipping. Please check out my other listings! To combine shipping please add items to your cart and do one single checkout. Please request an invoice for orders over 3+ items as the shipping rates tend to become exaggerated and I will adjust them for you. I can fit multiple items into one flat rate box to save $$. Happy planting! Shipping is done early in the week to avoid long exposures over the weekend. Every now and then things do happen at the Post Office during shipping which can leave your plant damaged beyond saving. All I ask is for a picture of the DOA plant immediately upon receipt and I will replace the item. Normal shipping wear should be expected – a leaf may fall off or soil can be disrupted. However, it’s getting cold out there. Most plants do hold up fine during shipping but if you would like to add a heat pack they are listed for $2.00. I will not replace for cold damage if you choose not to purchase the heat pack. Most importantly -- I appreciate my buyers!!! Please contact me with any plant concerns or questions before leaving feedback. I am here to help. :)