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Austrocylindropuntia subulata

Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

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

Eve's Needle Cactus is a species of tree cactus native to the Peruvian Andes. The leaves are awl-like and green-yellow and can grow up to 5 inches on a mature plant. It grows up to 13 feet in the native habitat but much smaller in cultivation.

Plant in soil appropriate for cacti and succulents in a clay pot with several drainage holes. Grow outdoors in sun until frost when it must be brought indoors in a sunny location. Reduce watering in the winter.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
'Cristata'
Tags:
#full sun tolerant#houseplant#drought tolerant#succulent#red flowers#interiorscape#cactus#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
'Cristata'
Tags:
#full sun tolerant#houseplant#drought tolerant#succulent#red flowers#interiorscape#cactus#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Austrocylindropuntia
    Species:
    subulata
    Family:
    Cactaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Columbia, Peru
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Succulent
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    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:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Description:
    Red to reddish fruits
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Orange
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Description:
    Blooms with red to orange flowers
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Awl-shaped green leaves are up to 5 inches long on mature plants.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Green stems with cylindrical joints. Its stems are covered with bumpy tubercles, with a spined areole at the top of each tubercle.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Landscape Theme:
    Drought Tolerant Garden