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Eve's Pin
Austrocylindropuntia subulata · Cactaceae
📷 Magnus Manske · CC BY-SA 2.5
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around eve's pin and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Silver Christmas Cactus or Shrubby Cactus Pear
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Foliage
- Persistent, reduced to tubercles
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (yellow or red flowers)
- Adult size
- 1.5 to 3 m in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Tender (minimum 10 to 12°C)
- Origin
- Peru, Argentina
- Soil type
- Very well-draining, rocky or sandy
Expert tips
The key tip
Arrose modérément en croissance (avril-septembre), en laissant sécher entre deux arrosages ; l'hiver, réduis drastiquement l'eau ou coupe complètement. Le terreau doit être très drainant (sable + pouzzolane, minimum 50%). Cet Opuntia tolère mieux l'humidité que ses cousins, mais pourrit vite si l'eau stagne au pied.
The common mistake
La plupart des jardiniers arrosent trop en automne-hiver en pensant aider la plante ; elle rentre en dormance et pourrit de l'intérieur, les tiges deviennent molles et translucides. Regarde la base : si elle change de texture, c'est trop tard.
The pro's trick
Pince les jeunes tiges à la main tous les ans en mai pour forcer la ramification et obtenir un port compact et buissonnant au lieu d'une grande liane épineuse ingérable. Cette plante a tendance à s'étirer rapidement, la taille précoce change tout.
Seasonal watch
En hiver, surveille les cochenilles farineuses qui colonisent les aisselles ; elles profitent de l'air sec intérieur. Inspecte régulièrement de novembre à mars, surtout si tu cultives en serre ou vérandah.
Care
Watering
Water moderately from April to September, letting the substrate dry out completely between waterings. Reduce drastically in winter: a light watering every 4 to 6 weeks is sufficient. Avoid stagnant water at all costs, as it causes root rot.
Light exposure
Place it in full sun, at least 6 hours a day. Even in temperate climates, it tolerates direct exposure well. If you're growing it indoors, move it close to a very bright window facing south or west.
Soil and substrate
Use a very well-draining mix: 50% cactus potting soil, 25% coarse sand, 25% perlite or pumice. Drainage is crucial for this species, which dreads moisture. Add gravel or broken pot shards at the bottom of the container.
Fertilizing
Fertilize lightly from May to August with a cactus fertilizer (low in nitrogen), every 4 to 6 weeks. Stop fertilizing completely in fall and winter to respect its dormancy period.
Pruning and shaping
Prune it after flowering to balance its shape or keep it compact. Remove dead or damaged segments. Wear gloves or use pruners: its tubercles bear tiny spines that irritate skin.
Diseases and pests
Watch for mealybugs and spider mites indoors. Treat preventatively with a mild insecticidal soap. Rot is mainly linked to excess water: ensure impeccable drainage and keep ambient humidity low.
Did you know?
Austrocylindropuntia subulata was once called the "stick cactus" because of its elongated, cylindrical segments. In South America, particularly Peru, it has naturalized at high altitudes (1,500 to 3,000 m) and becomes so invasive in places that it threatens local ecosystems. Surprisingly, this "invader" can also serve as shelter for desert insects and small animals.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring, once all risk of frost has gone. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from April to June.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- SaguaroCarnegiea gigantea
- Erect prickly pearOpuntia stricta
- Hedgehog pearOpuntia polyacantha
- Tree chollaCylindropuntia imbricata
- Opuntia basilarisOpuntia basilaris
- Ferocactus wislizeniFerocactus wislizeni
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.