The spineless prickly pear is a kind of evergreen cactus that isn’t armed and dangerous like other prickly pear cacti. An Ellisiana cactus might be the right plant for you if you’re seeking for a succulent that resembles a cactus but lacks long, pointed spines.
The absence of spines is just one of many alluring qualities offered by the plant, according to material on spineless prickly pears. It produces sizable, bright yellow blooms in the summer that draw hummingbirds. Additionally, it makes bright red fruits known as tunas.
What does a cactus without spines look like?
The terms “spineless cactus” typically refer to several variations and hybrids of Opuntia with scientific names like O. boldinghii, O. gosseliniana, and O. nuda. Many cactus species, such as Lophophora and Astrophytum, lack obvious spines.
Opuntia species, often known as flat cacti, thornless cacti, and spineless prickly pear cacti, feature distinctive branching pad-like stems that are studded with sharp spines and glochids (barbed bristles). The name comes from the fruit’s appearance, which resembles a pear but is covered in prickles.
By breeding and growing O. ficus-indica and O. tuna, renowned plant breeder Luther Burbank created hybrids in the early 1900s that were meant to increase food production and improve cactus flowers (1).
All of the over 60 types that were created had no spines, which led to the genus of cactus being known as the Spineless Cactus becoming well-known.
Exists a cactus that lacks spines?
The strange-looking but endearing Lophophora williamsii is a globe-shaped, spineless cactus. It frequently has a dip in the center. They have strong roots, good growth, and require little maintenance. Peyote resemble dumplings, and they are frequently referred to as “dumpling cactus.”
The plant is spherical and tiny, and its ribs are tuberous. The middle of this cactus is where their tiny, pink blossoms appear.
These cactus enjoy warmth and strong illumination. However, protect this cactus from intense direct sunlight. Take peyote indoors throughout the winter if the temperature falls below 50 F (10 C). They require a period of dormancy in the winter, so water sparingly only once every 5 to 6 weeks, and keep plants in a dry, cool environment.
When growing in groups, Lophophora williamsii frequently has beautiful appearance (they form clumps). Allowing this cactus to develop with offsets makes them more aesthetically pleasing because they are relatively tiny in size. They require ventilation as well as well-draining soil.
If you have kids or animals that can consume peyote, you shouldn’t keep it. That’s because it contains mescaline, which when ingested has psychedelic effects.
#2: Astrophytum myriostigma
Bishop’s cap, commonly known as Astrophytum myriostigma, is a cactus without any spines. Myriostigma, which means “dotted,” is a plant whose stem is covered in numerous tiny white dots.
Although it might be more challenging to maintain and has weak roots, this cactus can also grow on its own. Choose a light, quick-draining soil instead, and only water it when the soil is completely dry.
Only until it reaches a height of about 3 inches (8 cm) does it begin to bloom. Their yellow blossoms have a pleasant aroma. In the astrophytum genus, there is a species called Myriostigma coahuilense that is extremely similar to it.
This cactus requires winter dormancy and prefers bright but primarily shaded light. They are fairly resilient and can withstand colder weather, up to below freezing, before you need to bring them inside.
#3: Astrophytum asterias
Another species of cactus in this genus, Astrophytum asterias, lacks spines. This cactus is little, adorable, and spherical in form. Grayish-green in hue. These cacti are stunning additions to any collection of cacti due to the white dots in the midst of the areoles.
Flowers of Astrophytum asterias are delicate and yellow in color, and they have a diameter of around 2.3 inches (6 cm). Make sure to water them sparingly, and select a soil that drains well. Winter dormancy is permitted.
#4: Mammillaria albiflora
A little cactus, Mammillaria albiflora, only grows to a diameter of around 1 inch (2.5 cm). They bloom with yellow centers on white petals. prefers constant sunlight and light watering. They also have radial spines covering their stems.
Bring this cactus indoors after it reaches 50 °F (10 °C) in temperature. Provide a period of winter dormancy.
#5: Mammillaria hernandezii
Small, spherical Mammillaria hernandezii cacti. Although this cactus has woolly spikes protruding from its areoles, they are not sharp. The color of their blossoms is pink.
In the summer, Mammillaria hernandezii can resist direct sunlight and needs a lot of strong light. In the summer, make sure to put it outside or on a sunny windowsill.
In the summer, water thoroughly every 10 to 14 days, but make sure to wait until the soil is almost dry before watering it again. Take them indoors when it is less than 55 °F (13 °C).
#6: Mammillaria herrerae
Small, spherical Mammillaria herrerae cacti have tiny spines all over them. But because the cactus’ spines are wrapped around it rather than sticking out, handling is much simpler.
The pinkish flowers produced by Mammillaria herrerae have a diameter of around 1 inch (2.5 cm). This cactus prefers direct sunlight and does not tolerate frost. Take them indoors when it is less than 55 °F (13 °C).
#7: Mammillaria humboldtii
A sweet spherical cactus with many white spikes wrapping around it is called Mammillaria humboldtii. Although it has spikes, they don’t protrude, which makes handling easier.
This cactus bears lovely pink blossoms. This species frequently begins to group together, creating a stunning collection of these cacti. Though they don’t always leave it in full light, they enjoy bright sun. Water with caution, first checking that the soil is dry.
#8: Mammillaria lasiacantha
Another little spherical cactus, Mammillaria lasiacantha, only grows to a diameter of around 1 inch (2.5 cm). The soft spines that surround this cactus make it easy to handle as well.
In the summer, make sure it receives plenty of sunlight and water as needed. Their flowers have a red center and are white in hue. Bring this cactus indoors after it reaches 50 °F (10 °C) in temperature.
#9: Mammillaria pectinifera
Another tiny globular-shaped cactus with tiny spines is called Mammillaria pectinifera. In the middle of the summer, it blooms with light pink flowers.
Bright light is ideal for this cactus, but keep it out of direct sunlight. Bring this cactus indoors after it reaches 50 °F (10 °C) in temperature. Provide a period of winter dormancy.
#10: Mammillaria plumosa (feather cactus)
A spherical cactus that clusters easily is called Mammillaria plumosa. This cactus’ stem can grow to be about 3 inches (8 cm) in diameter, and when it forms clusters, it can produce a substantial group.
This cactus can withstand full sun, therefore it is best left outside in the summer or placed indoors on a sunny windowsill. Do not overwater this cactus, and carefully inspect it before applying more water. Their flowers have a white or yellowish hue.
Bring this cactus indoors after it reaches 50 °F (10 °C) in temperature. Give the winter months for dormancy.
#11: Mammillaria solisioides
A tiny, spherical cactus with a diameter of about 3 inches (8 cm), Mammillaria solisioides. rarely produces offsets and frequently grows alone.
Yellow is the color of their blossoms. Mamillaria solisioides prefer direct sunlight. This cactus must not be overwatered since they dislike excessive humidity or water logging. Bring this cactus indoors after it reaches 50 °F (10 °C) in temperature. Provide a period of winter dormancy.
#12: Opuntia aurea
Beautiful opuntia cactus Opuntia aurea has padded leaves and minimal to no spines on its pads. Additionally, they produce flowers that might be yellow, pink, or purple in hue.
A beautiful outdoor spineless cactus plant is Opuntia aurea. Although they prefer moderate to well watered, they can survive full sun.
#13: Pachycereus marginatus
Pachycereus marginatus is a big, tall, outdoor cactus that is primarily spineless. This cactus can grow to a height of 10 to 16 feet (3-5 meters). Only 4–7 ribs, a few central spines, and up to 6–9 radial spines make up this cactus.
#14: Echinopsis subdenudata”Tufty
This cactus is a hybrid of E. ancistrophora with no spines. This globular cactus lacks spines and is spherical in shape. Instead, it contains white cottony wool tufts. Additionally, it generates white nocturnal flowers that bloom at night.
#15: Echinocereus triglochidiatus inermis
This particular type of cactus does have some spines, but not many. This greatly simplifies handling.
Throughout order to thrive and flower in the summer, this cactus needs full sun. Be cautious when watering, though, and wait until the soil is dry and well-drained before doing so.
This cactus requires a time of winter dormancy and can withstand temperatures below freezing (so you may leave it outside as long as the temperature doesn’t drop below 23 F, or -5 C).
#16: Echinocereus rigidissimus
Depending on size, the Echinocereus rigidissimus cactus has a spherical or cylindrical shape. It frequently grows on its own without offsets and can grow as high as one foot (30 cm). Handling is a little bit easier thanks to the spines’ typical curvature toward the stem.
It also goes by the name Rainbow Cactus because of its lovely pink spines, which are frequently purple at first and then turn lighter pink.
Additionally, it produces summertime blooms of pink-purple flowers. This cactus can withstand full sun and prefers strong light. But bring this cactus indoors when it gets below 50 °F (10 °C).
#17: Echinocereus viereckii, variation morricalii
There are a few spines on this cactus, but not many. The stems of these cactus feature a vivid green color. Initially spherical, they eventually take on a more columnar appearance.
The rather large purple flowers on Echinocereus viereckii, var. morricalii can measure up to 3–4 inches (10–10 cm) in diameter. The cactus itself will grow to a height of about 7-8 inches (18–20 cm).
When the cactus is growing, water it every two weeks. When it is dormant, water it lightly once every five to six weeks. Maintain your position in a sunny, well-lit place.
#18: Rhipsaliscacti
A genus of tropical cactus known as mistletoe cacti is called Rhipsalis. The majority of Rhipsalis cacti lack spines and don’t have the traditional appearance of a cactus. Rhipsalis cacti are found in about 43 different species.
The stems of almost all Rhipsalis species are thin and drooping. They bloom all day long, and their blossoms are white.
Rhipsalis are epiphytic cacti, meaning they grow on other plants and trees. This means they require bright, but partly shaded light. Any temperature over 77 F (25 C), especially outside, could be harmful to them. They are able to handle direct, strong light, but not when it is the warmest of the day.
Likewise, use caution when watering.
only water the soil when it is dry. They dislike extremely moist soil. Most people love warm weather, so if you plan to leave them outside beyond 50 degrees Fahrenheit, bring them inside (10 C). They gain from fertilization in the summer.
#19: Hatiora cacti
Another genus of tropical cacti in the Rhipsalideae tribe is called Hatiora (which also includes Christmas cactus, Rhipsalis and more).
Additionally, these cacti don’t have the typical cactus appearance. Most lack spines and grow several branches from one stem instead of one (which can be fragile). They have tiny, pink or yellow flowers.
Only bright, indirect light and moderate summer temperatures of about 70 F are preferred by these cacti (21 C). Moderate watering is required. Before watering, make sure the soil is dry.
#20: Epiphyllum cacti
A group of epiphytic cacti called Epiphyllum lack spikes and don’t have the typical appearance of cactus. These cacti produce both flowers and fruit and are freely branching.
They generate lovely, fragrant flowers that bloom at night. Their big, white blossoms can reach a length of 8 inches (around 20 cm). Warmer temperatures (over 60F/15C) and ample watering are preferred by them.
#21: Blossfeldia liliputana
Small, globe-shaped Blossfeldia liliputana cacti with a short stem. There are no spikes on these cactus; just white fluff emerges from their areoles.
Blossfeldia liliputana begins to bloom when the diameter of the stem reaches around 1 cm.
#22: Schlumbergera cacti
Schlumbergera, also known as Christmas or Thanksgiving cacti, is a genus of 6–9 cacti. There are no spines on these cacti.
Christmas cacti prefer bright, filtered light and dislike direct sunlight. The name comes from when they bloom, which can occur around Thanksgiving or Christmas.
#23: Tacinga funalis
The Tacinga funalis is a large, outdoor-friendly cactus that grows to a height of about 35 feet (11 meters)! This cactus’ stems lack spikes and are covered in white glochids.
This cactus needs a lot of sunlight, but it also needs to be in an area with access to shade. Grow only where winters are not bitterly cold. This cactus cannot survive outdoors in winter temperatures below 50 F (10 C).
How should a spineless cactus be cared for?
Luther Burbank introduced more than 60 different types of spineless cacti between 1907 and 1925. They came in two main varieties: fruiting varieties, grown for their colorful and flavorful prickly pears, and forage varieties, grown for their edible pads (properly called thalli), which could be fed raw to livestock or cooked for human consumption. These hybrids were primarily made from the Indian fig (Opuntia ficus-indica) and Mexican prickly pear (Opuntia tuna) varieties.
The pads should be planted upright, with the lowest part of each pad buried in sandy, well-drained soil. If required, short sticks can be used to support the pads as you firm the ground to keep them in place. Until the pads have established, place them in a warm, sunny location and shield them from extremely hot sunshine. Water the pads just when fresh green growth begins to appear; after that, water very sparingly and deeply, allowing the soil to completely dry between applications. There should be no need for fertilizer. While plants can be kept in containers for approximately a year, they ultimately need to have lots of outside, in-ground area to flourish. Strong frosts have the potential to harm young plants, however established examples are quite cold tolerant.
Wooden skeletons can be used to build houses, make rustic furniture, and create souvenirs like fans and other objects.
- can be utilized as a source of food and water for poultry and livestock
- can be used in place of a hot water bottle.
- being soaked in water, they exude viscous liquid that speeds up the healing of wounds and bruises. They can be split apart and applied as poultices to reduce inflammation.
- can be utilized to create candles
- similar to petroleum, can be placed on water to suffocate mosquito larvae (lasts up to a year, according to tests in central Africa, reported in Scientific American, 1911)
- can be boiled down to create mucilage, or mixed with mortar or whitewash to make it more durable (increases stickiness)
- similar to how eggplant is fried and cooked
- are mucilaginous, similar to okra, and when prepared with seafood, pig, and eggs after being boiled with garlic and onions, they can be minced. They can also be spiced with chopped tomatoes, chillies, or coriander.
- can be pickled using seasonings
- can be dried and pulped for use later.
- can be served with lemon juice and eaten cold or raw.
- can be prepared into preserves like apple butter and jams.
- can be fermented into a drink called “coloncha” or cooked down into a dark red or black paste called “mile coacha.”
- can be dried for later use or transformed into flour to make “queso de tuna,” which are tiny sweet cakes.