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Crested Eve's Needle Austrocylindropuntia subulata 'Cristata'

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Opuntia subulata 'Cristata'
Phonetic Spelling
oss-troh-sil-in-droh-POON-tee-uh sub-yoo-LAH-tuh
Description

Crested Eve's Needle is a crested form of Eve's Needle, where the stems fan outward into different wavy shapes, topped with combs of long emerald green succulent leaves. This form typically does not bloom, however, it will sometimes throw off normal stems that produce flowers.  They are slow-growing, but over time can reach heights of up to 1-2 feet.  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.  

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 between watering.  During the winter months, 

Plant in a soil mixture appropriate for cacti and in pots with several drainage holes. 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.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Overwatering can lead to the plant rotting.  

More information on Austrocylindropuntia subulata.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#heat tolerant#houseplant#drought tolerant#succulent#frost tender#fleshy leaves#interiorscape#low maintenance#spines#unusual#cactus#spiky#dry soils tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#heat tolerant#houseplant#drought tolerant#succulent#frost tender#fleshy leaves#interiorscape#low maintenance#spines#unusual#cactus#spiky#dry soils tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Austrocylindropuntia
    Species:
    subulata
    Family:
    Cactaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Play Value:
    Textural
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Succulent
    Habit/Form:
    Broad
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
    Appendage:
    Spines
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    Very Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Description:
    The crested growth means it will not flower.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Fleshy
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Other/more complex
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves are fleshy and emerald green. appearing at the tops of the stem pads.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    Narrow, undulating, emerald green succulent stems with white areoles and a few white spines.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Landscape Theme:
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Dry Soil
    Heat
    Problems:
    Spines/Thorns