Ive read that you can break off a piece of prickly pear pads and plant it and it will grow. I have some pads and was thinking of trying to grow my own since my tort loves it so much. Does anyone know, is it that easy? Is there any special things I have to do for it to grow?

You need a well draining soil (about 3/4 sand and 1/4 humus), lay the pad flat on surface, water so pad absorbs water, and keep in full sun. THe pad will send down small white rootlets and you're on your way. Water about once a week and get out of the way. For more info google Opuntia.

i've wanted to do this too...
heres what greenbeam.com says:
"Propagation is simple, said Deena Altman, co-owner of Altman Specialty Plants in Vista, Calif. Twist off or cut foliage at the nodes and let them dry for two weeks to a month or more. Keep them upright because if laid flat they will curl. Miniature varieties need less time to dry and larger, fleshier varieties take longer.

After the wound develops a callus, the cutting can be treated with a rooting hormone or stuck directly into the rooting media. Use a very porous mix and stick plants shallowly -- around 1/2 inch. If stuck deeper, cuttings can rot. Water sparingly initially and as roots start to develop, increase irrigation."

I bought some from ebay and stuck them in the ground. It took a while but I am getting new growth. I am going to move them outside in the spring because they can tolerate freezing temps.

Thanks for the info guys. I guess I should wait till spring comes so it can get the sun light. I think I'm going to try it though. Never know till you try!

I've started Opuntia cactus many times. I have tried both ways to start them as stated above and both have worked. They are really a hearty plant and really pretty easy to start and to grow.

Yep, they grow well. Let the cut callous over before planting, stick in the ground with support and wait.. I even had fruit and flowers the first few months.
I have a median about 20 feet wide, grass is growing there.. so that is where I planted it.. its growing 'wild' if anyone asks...
I see it everywhere. Does well. It freezes here too, but not a deep freeze.

I just found out that there is a variety that is cold tolerant and can handle WI winters...WooT! WooT!...you can bet your bottom dollar I'll be shopping for some this spring....
With all this snow and bitter cold weve been having ...I am more than ready for spring!!!!

Dee, What specie are they?

With all this snow and bitter cold weve been having ...I am more than ready for spring!!!!

I HEAR YA, LOUD AND CLEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!