Propagating Prickley Pear?

I posted on the Cactus forum, but no luck yet. I know we have a lot cactus lovers here. I have a friend that wants to propagate some. Don't you just stick a paddle in sand with little moisture?

No. You cut the pad from the plant and lay it on it's side in an area out of the direct sun for a period of time. It has to get a callous on the cut edge. The period of time doesn't matter a whole lot. I have a big boxful of pads in my garage right now. I won't try to root them until spring.

They should not be started in moist soil or sand because they will rot. They need native soil mixed with sand and/or pumice to make it quick draining. Roots will form where an areol comes in contact with the soil, so make sure the pad is burried an inch or so deep.

Thanks!
Dancingchula! Good to see you!

*Whew*! I didn't think you'd crossed over to the prickly side!

Nope! Still hate Cactus LOL!!