If you are a cactus lover, it is very likely that you know the species Austrocylindropuntia subulata, better known as «Eva pins», one of the most resistant that exist in the world, ideal for any beginner or forgetful of having plants in charge. But, What are the care of the Austrocylindropuntia subulata?
If you want to have at home a cactus of this little cultivated species in Spain, but highly appreciated, read on and discover everything you need to know about it.
Features Austrocylindropuntia subulata
La Austrocylindropuntia subulata, sometimes known simply as opuntia subulata, is a plant that can measure 2-3 meters if it is planted in the ground, not more than one meter in case of having it in a pot.
One of the characteristics that most attracts attention about this plant is the fact that it is an 'indestructible' plant. And it is that whatever you do with it, it will survive, even when you find it in very bad condition. Of course, everything will depend on what happens to it, but to give you an idea that this species can be easy to care for.
It has a bearing as if it were a tree, with elongated and fragile stems, up to 50 centimeters. As for the areolas, you will only find them in the upper part and it is through them that you will be able to find thorns, four in total, gray in color and about 6 centimeters.
It has leaves, which are very small, just 1-2 centimeters. And the most beautiful thing about the cactus, the flowers. In the flowering season it usually produces flowers 6 cm long and red. If they are pollinated, then they will grow into a fruit of about 10 cm. But be careful, because it will be full of thorns.
Caring for the Austrocylindropuntia subulata
Next we want to leave you a guide with the care of the opuntia subulata, or Eva pins so that, if you want to buy a plant, you can know what you have to look for.
Location and lighting
We are going to start with the exact place where you should place your plant. As you know, one of the most important premises of plants is that they should not be constantly moving around because they stress and can get sick.
In the case of this cactus, it would be the same, so we recommend you place it in a place that is really yours. And what is that? One where the sun gives as much as possible. Now, there is a little advice that you should keep in mind.
When you buy a specimen of this cactus, the normal thing is that it has not been in the sun for a long time. So if you put it directly in the sun the leaves and stems will burn. The best you can do is get used to it little by little, and it is the only situation in which you can change the location of your cactus until you see that you can leave it in full sun.
It is not recommended to have it indoors because for cacti the lighting in homes is not enough for them. In fact, if you notice that it has weaker stems than normal, that pests and diseases attack it, or that it does not flower, the reason may be this: the lack of sunlight.
Temperature
The most normal thing is that you think that, because it is a cactus, it will withstand warm temperatures alone and that, in frost, it will end up getting sick and dying. But the truth is that no.
El opuntia subulata It is a plant native to South America, present mainly in Peru and Ecuador, and in its natural habitat it supports both very high and very low temperatures. So you shouldn't have a problem with it.
En general, it can withstand occasional frosts and a temperature of -4ºC. But if it is usual for more than that to fall, it is best to protect it.
Earth
When planting or transplanting your cactus, it is important that you know where you are going to do it and what substrate you will need.
If you decide to plant it in the garden, in the ground, you should always choose one well-drained soil (or mix it at the time of doing it). However, in the case of a pot, it is advisable that you prepare a substrate composed of universal soil and perlite, river sand or something similar to help it have good drainage.
Others recommend a substrate for cacti, which is usually focused on avoiding accumulations of water so that they do not affect their roots.
Choose one or the other, both will give you good care of this plant.
Irrigation
There is no doubt that irrigation is always one of the care of the Austrocylindropuntia subulata More important, but not because you have to water it a lot, but on the contrary.
In summer, for example, 1-2 waterings a week is enough. Y in winter you can easily water it once or twice a month, nothing more. In fact, as long as the soil is wet, you don't have to water them and only when you "remember" you should do it, because they tend to hold up very well.
And how do you know if you have gone through the drought? Well if you see the wrinkled stems. If you notice that in the plant, you can recover it if you put the entire pot in a basin of water for 30 minutes (watering by immersion). Or, if you have it planted in the ground, water it abundantly.
Of course, it is convenient not to go to these extremes but, if it happens, you see that it is easy to recover it.
Fertilizer
In addition to watering, it is important, especially with regard to flowering, that Fertilize it from spring to early fall. It is not mandatory, but if you want to help her throw flowers for you.
In this case, you have to use cactus fertilizers and follow the manufacturer's instructions, although we would recommend that you add a little less than what it says.
Multiplication
When it comes to playing your opuntia subulata, you have two options:
- By seeds, which is not the usual thing but it can be done, although it takes about two weeks to germinate and then a while to grow.
- By cuttings, faster and that consists of cutting a stem, letting the wound dry for about a week and then planting it with black peat and perlite, or vermiculite. Some put in rooting hormones but in reality it is not necessary because in just a few weeks you will have them developed.
Plagues and diseases
Finally, we talk about pests and diseases. We must start by saying that it is a very resistant plant and rarely attacked by pests, except mollusks (slugs, snails, etc.) that are prone to eating them.
As for the diseases, most are focused on bad watering or bad lighting. Checking this shouldn't give you any problems.
Do you already know all the cares of the Austrocylindropuntia subulata? You have doubts?