The Opuntia subulata or Austrocylindropuntia subulata, like all Opuntias, belongs to the cactus family and is therefore quite easy to care for and undemanding. Too much water or fertilizer is more likely to cause damage than too little of these things.
How do I properly care for an Opuntia subulata?
The Opuntia subulata, also called Austrocylindropuntia subulata, is an undemanding and easy-care cactus species. It prefers a location in full sun, dry and well-drained soil, moderate watering, avoiding waterlogging and temperatures around 10 °C in winter.
The growth of Opuntia subulata is tree-shaped and richly branched. The shoots, which are up to 50 centimeters long, are slightly brittle. A special decoration are the flowers, which are up to six centimeters long, from which elongated, often egg-shaped fruits develop.
The ideal location and the best soil
The Opuntia subulata needs a lot of light all year round. It feels most comfortable in a location with full sun, and in summer it likes to be on the balcony or in the garden. If it is cool in the sun, for example in spring, their normally green leaves turn yellowish pink or purple.
Place this opuntia in dry to moderately dry soil that should definitely be well-drained. That's why a planter must have good drainage. You are welcome to mix the soil with a little sand or grit.
Water and fertilize the Opuntia subulata properly
Opuntia subulata is definitely not very thirsty. It survives drought more easily than waterlogging, which it doesn't like at all. Water this Opuntia sparingly in spring and fall. In summer, water your Opuntia subulata thoroughly, but only when the substrate is really dry. Between April and October, give some cactus fertilizer about every eight weeks (€5.00 on Amazon).
The Opuntia subulata in winter
Your Opuntia subulata survives the winter best at temperatures around 10 °C. During this time it is not fertilized at all and only watered very little if the soil is significantly dry. This Opuntia is not winter hardy.
The most important things in brief:
- depending on the species, it grows up to 4 m high
- Location: preferably full sun
- Soil: rather dry, very permeable, light and mineral
- watering: little to moderate
- Avoid waterlogging
- overwinter at around 10 °C
Tip
Unlike some other Opuntias, Opuntia subulata does not tolerate low temperatures, pay attention to this when choosing winter quarters.
