{"product_id":"austrocylindropuntia-subulata-eve-s-needle-cactus","title":"Austrocylindropuntia subulata – Eve's Needle Cactus","description":"\u003cp\u003eWith its long, pointed leaves emerging from cylindrical stems, Austrocylindropuntia subulata is an unusual cactus that adds height, texture, and intrigue to any collection. Though it’s closely related to the classic prickly pear, this species has a much more upright, branching growth habit and narrow, leaf-like projections that give it a prehistoric feel. Fast-growing and architectural, it thrives in warm, sunny spots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\nAustrocylindropuntia subulata (subulata = awl-shaped, referring to the slender, pointed leaves)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSynonyms\u003cbr\u003e\nPreviously listed as Opuntia subulata – still used in cultivation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon Name\u003cbr\u003e\nEve’s Needle Cactus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\nNative to the Andes of Peru and Ecuador, especially in arid montane regions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\nRequires full sun or very bright light for best growth. A south-facing windowsill or sunroom is ideal. Rotate regularly to maintain an upright shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\nAllow soil to fully dry out between waterings. In spring and summer, water thoroughly every 2–3 weeks. In winter, reduce to once a month or less. Avoid watering into the centre of the plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\nPrefers dry air. Avoid humid environments and rooms with poor airflow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\nUse a coarse cactus mix with added grit, perlite, or sand to aid drainage. Ensure pots have drainage holes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\nFeed every 4–6 weeks in the growing season with a balanced cactus fertiliser. No feeding in winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\nPrefers 20–30°C. Tolerates down to 5°C if kept dry, but avoid frost and cold draughts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\nNo – toxic if ingested and can cause irritation. Spines can injure pets or children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\nThis cactus grows fast – pot up annually in spring and prune with gloves if needed to keep its shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtras\u003cbr\u003e\nCan eventually grow into a shrubby, tree-like form up to 2 metres indoors if left unpruned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDid You Know?\u003cbr\u003e\nThe “leaves” on Austrocylindropuntia subulata are actually modified stems – a rare feature among cacti!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"5cm","offer_id":56990745887101,"sku":"9770722268571","price":5.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/files\/austrocylindropuntia-subulata-eves-needle-cactus-1147796.jpg?v=1759409431","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.pro\/products\/austrocylindropuntia-subulata-eve-s-needle-cactus","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}