Austrocylindropuntia subulata 'Cristata'

Crested Eve's Needle is a cultivar and crested form of the species, Eve's Needle Cactus. Its stems fan outward into different wavy shapes, topped with combs of long emerald green succulent leaves with white areoles and a few white spines. They are slow growing, but over time can reach heights of up to 1 to 2 feet.

Like other varieties of desert cacti, they require plenty of sun and bright light, while water should be limited.  In locations with hot, arid conditions, maintenance is minimal.  Regular watering in the summer should be provided, allowing the plant to dry out between watering.  Plant in a soil mixture appropriate for cacti and in pots with good drainage. Clay pots are best as they allow the roots and soil to dry out quicker, which allows more oxygen to be exchanged. Clay pots also provide more stability to the plant, which can become top-heavy due to its size. Their root system needs plenty of room. Repotting should be done every other year, or when it is obvious that the plant has outgrown its container.  

The parent plant, Eve's needle cactus, has long and slender stems with sharp spines. The crested Eve's needle cultivar results from the tips of the branches growth cells multiplying faster than the normal rate. This mutated growth produces a sculptured effect of whorls or fans of the branches.This form typically does not bloom, however, it will sometimes throw off normal stems that produces flowers. 

The crested Eve's needle cactus is a popular ornamental and will add interest to your houseplant collection.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for mealybugs and scale insects. Overwatering can cause root rot. 

More information on Austrocylindropuntia subulata.