eve's needle Cactus

Picture via Llifle

Basic Info

  Austrocylindropuntia Exaltata is also most commonly known as the ‘Eve’s Needle Cactus’. As the plant matures you can expect the stem to be beautiful and bright green to green with many small looking leaves. When the plant finally flowers you can expect it to produce red to orange flowers.

Scientific Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Opuntioideae
Tribe: Austrocylindropuntieae
Genus: Austrocylindropuntia

Care and Propagation Information

Watering

Austrocylindropuntia Exaltata can be quite beautiful when it is well-taken care of. This succulent type needs typical watering as the other succulents. The watering method is very important to keep your Eve’s Needle Cactus healthy. It should not sit on the water, and an excess amount of water should be avoided. The best way of watering is soak and dry method this succulent. Yet, the succulent should be controlled to avoid overwatering.

General Care for Eve’s Needle Cactus

This succulent type is known to be a tall cactus with yellowish spines sticking out from its core. If you own one of these in your garden it is considered to be good luck. It is also a nice addition to your outside garden!

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Quick Facts:

  • Prefers full sun
  • Can be grown outdoor
  • Can die easily if overwatered see: How to Water Succulent Plants
  • Does not handle cold well
  • Prefers Zone 9 -6.7 °C (20 F)
  • Best propagated by offsets
  • Generally not known to be harmful for people or animals
  • Grows best during Spring and Fall

Where to Plant

Eve’s Needle Cactus succulents need strong light. When planting this succulent type in a garden, make sure it gets sunlight. Full to partial sun is the best for its growth. It is better to grow outdoor rather than indoor.

This type of succulent prefers a warm climate. It can survive at zone 9a-11b which is around -6.7 °C (20 °F). If you live in a cold area, it is better to plant Austrocylindropuntia Exaltata in an indoor environment. As long as it gets enough sunlight, the plant will grow happily.

How to Propagate Eve’s Needle Cactus

Austrocylindropuntia Exaltata can be propagated by seeds. This succulent type does not require repotting often. Of course, the first-time repotting is essential when it is bought from the store.

Like all the other succulent types, a well-drained soil mixture is essential. If you want to know about well-drained soil mixtures, check How to Prepare Well-drained Soil for Succulent Plants.

How to Propagate Eve’s Needle Cactus Using Seeds

This succulent type is a slow grower so even if it can be propagated by its seeds, this method is not recommended. To propagate from the seeds, plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture. This method can be used outdoors. In cooler areas, indoor propagating is recommended.