Plant DetailShow Menu

Eve's Needle Crest 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 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.

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:
    Easy to Grow
    Textural
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Perennial
    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 form will not flower. If any normal stems are produced, they may produce flowers.
  • 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 and 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