Eve's Needle Cactus
The Eve Needle Cactus, also known as Austrocylindropuntia subulata, is a unique and striking plant that can be a great addition to your indoor or outdoor garden. Known for its tall, columnar shape and long, needle-like spines, this cactus is relatively easy to care for, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners. The Eve's needle cactus grows up to 13 feet tall and 10 feet wide with deep green leaves. It develops yellowish-red spines as it matures and occasionally blooms with long, coppery red flowers. Native to Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, and Bolivia, it is suitable for containers, raised beds,cactus gardens, and atriums. Eve's Needle Cactus is branch and tree like specimen of the cacti family. Once the plant has rooted properly it requires very little care and grows relatively fast.
Plant Care Tips
Lighting: Eve Needle Cactus thrives in bright, direct sunlight. Ideally, it should receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. If you are growing it indoors, placing it near a south-facing window is recommended. If the light is insufficient, consider supplementing with a grow light to ensure the cactus receives enough energy to grow.
Watering: Like most cacti, the Eve Needle Cactus does not require frequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. During the growing season (spring and summer), water every two to three weeks. In the dormant period (fall and winter), reduce watering to once a month or less.
Heat & Humidity: This cactus prefers warm temperatures and low humidity. It thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C). While it can tolerate cooler temperatures, it should be protected from frost. If you live in a region with cold winters, consider bringing your cactus indoors during the colder months.
Soil Medium: Well-draining soil is crucial for the health of an Eves Needle Cactus. Use a cactus or succulent potting mix that contains sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage. If you're planting in a pot, make sure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Pruning is generally not necessary for Eve Needle Cactus, but you can trim it to control its size or shape if needed. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. Repotting should be done every two to three years, or when the cactus outgrows its current pot. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and refresh the soil with a new cactus mix and watch it grow!
Over watering is the most common problem for Eves Needle Cactus. Which can lead to root rot. Always ensure the soil is dry before watering. A moisture meter may help in determining if water is still present in the container. Also, when you do water, make sure all the excess water drains out before putting it back in it's place. You do not want it sitting in water. Pests can also occasionally occur as well. This cactus can attract pests such as mealybugs or spider mites. Treat infestations with a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Although it loves sunlight, sudden exposure to intense light can cause sunburn. Gradually acclimate your cactus to direct sunlight if it's been in lower light conditions (like from inside in the WInter to outside for warmer months) If during the Winter your cactus suffers damage from frost, trim the frozen part down to the wood and it will bounce back during spring and summer months.
With the right care, the Eve Needle Cactus can be a striking and resilient addition to your plant collection. Its unique appearance and low-maintenance nature make it an ideal choice for cactus enthusiasts and beginners alike.
