Eve's Needle
opuntia subulata
Also known as: ["Eve's Needle","Awl Cactus"]
Overview
A tall, columnar cactus with slender, awl-shaped spines and occasional yellow flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","low maintenance","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Opuntia |
| Botanical Name: | Opuntia subulata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright, sunny location or outdoor xeriscaped 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 root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or coarse sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or overgrown parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates bright indirect light if acclimated; adjust for seasonal light changes.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun to prevent scorching; place in full sun outdoors or near a south-facing window indoors; shield from harsh midday sun in summer.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 2–3 weeks, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries completely between waterings; avoid overhead watering.
Soil
fast-draining cactus mix with added perlite or coarse sand
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use unglazed pots for better drainage; avoid heavy garden soil; ensure soil dries between waterings.
Temperature
Ideal range 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates mild frost but prefers warm, dry conditions; reduce watering in cooler months.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air flow in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth (spring and summer) with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing before winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings ( pads or branches ); division of offsets.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy pad/branch.
- Let cut end dry for 1–2 days.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist but not wet.
- Wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F), bright indirect light, high humidity (e.g., propagation dome).
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up root development.
Timeline
Roots may form in 2–4 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp, sterile knife or shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Allow cut end to callous before planting; use warm water to moisten medium; avoid direct sun until roots form.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut pads at the base with clean, sharp tools; allow cuts to dry before handling.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged pads to improve aesthetics and health; control size if needed.
Tools
Sterile pruning shears or a sharp knife.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; cut cleanly; let wounds dry; dispose of removed pads.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 inches in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in slightly larger pot with fresh cactus mix; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary if growth slows or soil degrades.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without waterlogging; water early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply every 2–3 weeks in spring/summer, reducing to monthly in fall/winter. Adjust based on rainfall and humidity.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to commercial potting soil; ensure no standing water after watering.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, stunted growth, or necrotic spots in cold; wilting, sunburn, or scorching in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root rot if soil remains wet; may enter dormancy.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; reduce watering; provide frost protection if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause dehydration, sunburn, or scorching of pads; may lead to premature flowering or fruit drop.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase air circulation; water early morning to avoid evaporation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with pads.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble cactus fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks in spring/summer; avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest Opuntia subulata. The spines and glochids can cause physical injury and irritation if they come into contact with the cat's skin or are ingested.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Opuntia subulata by dogs can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to oxalic acid content. The spines and glochids pose a risk of physical injury if ingested or if they become embedded in the skin.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicOpuntia subulata, commonly known as Eve's Needle, contains oxalic acid and other compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested. The spines and glochids can cause physical injury and irritation upon contact.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Opuntia subulata?
A: Water sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry, typically every 2-4 weeks depending on climate.
Q: Does Eve's Needle flower?
A: Yes, it produces yellow flowers, though flowering is not frequent.
Q: Is Opuntia subulata frost-tolerant?
A: It is sensitive to frost and should be protected from temperatures below 0°C (32°F).
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 2–3 weeks, allowing so |
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