Tortoises will eat the leaves if they are cut from the plants and offered. These small to medium sized succulents are very easy to propagate from cuttings and will even grow from individual leaves. Put cuttings directly into ground approximately four to five inches to anchor them. Jade plants will provide some shade as well as hiding places. These medium to large plants, are true cacti.
Prickly pear is high in calcium, and is eaten by all of our tortoises.
The cactus pads can be planted directly into the ground. Bury approximately one third of the pad in the ground. Plant in sandy soil, or at least in a well-drained location. Protect the newly-planted pads from tortoises with a fence until the plant has grown and the rootstock hardens. Without such protection, tortoises will eat the plant to the ground before it has a chance to develop.