Eve's Needle
austrocylindropuntia subulata
Also known as: ["Eve's Pin","Eve's Needle Cactus"]
Overview
A tall, columnar cactus native to South America, known for its slender, segmented stems and occasional yellow flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Austrocylindropuntia |
| Botanical Name: | Austrocylindropuntia subulata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, sunny location or outdoor rock garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added pumice or coarse sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 1–2 years or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate direct sun but acclimate gradually to avoid scorching. Adjust exposure based on season.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants to direct sun over 1–2 weeks; provide shade during peak midday hours; indoors, place near south-facing windows with sheer curtains.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use reflective surfaces to boost light; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, every 3–4 weeks in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry completely between waterings, avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or rocky cactus mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use terra cotta pots for better aeration; avoid heavy garden soil; top-dress with gravel for extra drainage.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates brief dips to 50°F (10°C) but thrives in warmth. Reduce watering in cooler months.
Avoid placing near drafty windows; use a thermometer to monitor; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during growing season with balanced cactus fertilizer
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; avoid over-fertilizing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings; remove a healthy segment, let it callus for a few days, then plant in well-draining soil.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem.
- Let callus.
- Plant in medium.
- Water lightly.
- Provide warmth and indirect light.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Medium
Cactus mix with added perlite or sand for extra drainage.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots may form in 2–4 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or shears, rooting hormone (optional), well-draining soil, small pot.
Quick Tips
Use gloves to handle cuttings; keep soil lightly moist; avoid direct sun until roots form.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut segments cleanly with sterilized tools; allow cuts to callus before handling further.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or damaged segments, and encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Sterilized pruning shears or knife, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dry weather; wear gloves; dispose of cuttings properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh cactus mix; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; essential for healthy growth and drainage.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water sparingly post-repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry. Ensure excess water drains away completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply every 7–10 days during active growth (spring/summer); reduce to every 3–4 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and humidity.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to commercial potting mix; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or root rot in cold; bud drop or leaf drop in temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and increase susceptibility to root rot; prolonged cold can cause tissue damage.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots with bubble wrap; reduce watering; use a space heater if necessary.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause dehydration, sunburn, and wilting; may lead to etiolation if not enough light.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced cactus fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAustrocylindropuntia subulata is not considered toxic to cats. Ingestion of the plant material is unlikely to cause systemic toxicity, though physical injury from spines may occur.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicAustrocylindropuntia subulata is not considered toxic to dogs. Ingestion of the plant material is unlikely to cause systemic toxicity, though physical injury from spines may occur.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAustrocylindropuntia subulata, commonly known as Eve's Needle, is generally non-toxic to humans. The primary concern is mechanical injury from its spines, which can cause physical discomfort but do not produce toxic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall can Austrocylindropuntia subulata grow?
A: It can grow up to 10 feet tall in ideal conditions.
Q: Does it require frequent watering?
A: No, it is drought-tolerant and prefers infrequent watering.
Q: Does it flower?
A: Yes, it produces yellow flowers, though flowering is not frequent.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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