Prickly Pear Cactus Problem (Maybe)

[DrPepper]

Hello all first time posting so I am sorry In advance if this topic is somewhere else. So I have noticed that when I take it outside and let it sit in the sun for most of the day when I come down to bring it inside for the night it seems like it curls up. I don’t want to kill it so if I could get some tips I would greatly appreciate it.

[Steve Johnson]

Hello all first time posting so I am sorry In advance if this topic is somewhere else. So I have noticed that when I take it outside and let it sit in the sun for most of the day when I come down to bring it inside for the night it seems like it curls up. I don’t want to kill it so if I could get some tips I would greatly appreciate it.

Hi DrPepper,

First of all, see this:

viewtopic.php?t=43816

Once we know your geographical location, we'll be able to give you advice appropriate to where you live. Unless you're having a problem with cactus pests (mealybugs, armored scale, etc.), the problem may be with your growing practices. We can help once we have some info on your location.

[DrPepper]

Sorry, I live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I mostly keep it near a window but since it’s summer I will take it outside to get as much sun as possible and bring it in when the sun goes down. How should I go about taking care of this guy?

[MrXeric]

Sorry, I live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I mostly keep it near a window but since it’s summer I will take it outside to get as much sun as possible and bring it in when the sun goes down. How should I go about taking care of this guy?

It's probably not used to direct sun, so the pads are curling from losing moisture. Gradual exposure over time will help your cactus handle direct sun better.

[greenknight]

I agree with MrXeric, but don't be too concerned - Opuntias can shrivel quite a lot without harm, as long as it's still green no problem. It really needs that sun, sunburn is the only real hazard to pushing it too fast when it's not used to the hot sun. I see no sign of sunburn. See: https://www.cactiguide.com/cactipests/#sunburn

[DrPepper]

Should the yellow around the pad be considering?