If the plant sap flows freely after pruning, this circumstance causes discomfort to many cactus gardeners. The question therefore arises as to whether the ingredients are toxic. Read the answer here.
Are cacti poisonous?
Cacti are not poisonous because they mainly store cell water in their leaves and shoots. Some species, such as the prickly pear cacti (Opuntia), even produce edible fruits. However, caution is advised in the event of injuries caused by sharp thorns as there is a risk of infection.
Cacti are not poisonous - but caution is still required
Since the vast majority of cactus species thrive as succulents, the plants have created large water reserves in their leaves and shoots. This means that it is predominantly cellular water that flows out of the wounds after pruning. It does not contain any toxic substances. In fact, some cacti even produce edible fruits, such as the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia).
However, you should not take a skin injury caused by the sharp thorns lightly. As with any other injury, even the smallest wound carries an increased risk of infection. Therefore, clean even small scratches carefully and disinfect them with iodine ointment. As a preventative measure, we recommend that you always approach the defensive plants with thorn-proof gloves (€15.00 on Amazon) when doing any work involving plants and care.
