How to prune santa rita prickly pear

Spring through early summer, when the plant is actively growing. Grip the pad firmly with folded newspaper or tongs and twist/cut at the natural joint (constriction between pads) with clean, long-bladed secateurs. Allow removed pads to callous in a dry place for 1–2 weeks before planting.

As needed — annually if managing size, otherwise every few years. Santa Rita Prickly Pear (Opuntia santa-rita) can be lightly pruned to control size or shape indoors and in containers. Remove entire pads at their joints using long-handled tongs and thick gloves — never try to trim a pad mid-section. Removing pads also provides propagation material. Avoid cutting during cold or dormant periods.

Grip the pad firmly with folded newspaper or tongs and twist/cut at the natural joint (constriction between pads) with clean, long-bladed secateurs. Allow removed pads to callous in a dry place for 1–2 weeks before planting.