Hi there

I have a prickly pear that is drooping and has skinny new growth at the top. I've read this is not good but I am not sure why or what is happening. It sits by my window that gets at least 8 hours light (not direct) and I only water about once a month, when it's really dry. Soil is a combo of fertilizer with sand and potted in a well drained pot.

It needs more light. The plant should "see" the sun for hours a day year round. Reflected, diffused or ambient light is not enough.

Remove the skinny stems as they will never be able to hold any weight.

Thank you! So, are you saying if it goes back indoors for the winter/fall- it won't thrive?

If it can "see" the sun for hours a day it will do fine. Otherwise it will stretch again when it loses the light. I thought the plant was indoors, based on the picture... be very careful if you choose to move it outside for the summer. The light out there is much more intense than indoor sun, because regular window glass blocks most of the harmful UV rays. So if it has been indoors, and given it's been getting little sun, you don't want to put it out in direct sun without a gradual period of accommodation over the course of weeks, starting in bright shade or filtered light, then moving to a couple of hours of morning sun, and so on. The plant can build up plenty of resistance to the UV, but it takes time, and there is a risk of serious damage if you go too fast.

Thank you so much for this very informative advice