Like all opuntias, the Opuntia subulata or Austrocylindropuntia subulata belongs to the cactus family and is therefore easy to care for and undemanding. Too much water or fertilizer is more likely to cause damage than too little of either of these things.

The Opuntia subulata has oblong leaves

The growth of Opuntia subulata is tree-like and richly branched. The shoots, which are up to 50 centimeters long, are easily brittle. The flowers, which are up to six centimeters long and develop into oblong, often egg-shaped fruits, are a particular gem.

The ideal location and the best soil

The Opuntia subulata needs a lot of light all year round. It feels most comfortable in a full sun location, in summer on the balcony or in the garden. When the sun is cool, for example in spring, their normally green leaves turn yellowish pink or purple.

Locate this opuntia in dry to moderately dry soil that is essential to well-drained soil. Therefore, a planter must have good drainage. You are welcome to mix the earth with a little sand or grit (€46.95).

Water and fertilize the Opuntia subulata properly

The Opuntia subulata is certainly not very thirsty. It survives drought more easily than waterlogging, which it doesn't like at all. Water this opuntia sparingly in spring and autumn. 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.

The Opuntia subulata in winter

Your Opuntia subulata survives the winter best at temperatures of around 10 °C. During this time it is not fertilized at all and watered very little when the soil has dried significantly. This opuntia is not hardy.

The essentials in brief:

  • Depending on the species, it grows up to 4 m high
  • Location: likes full sun
  • Soil: rather dry, very permeable, light and mineral
  • pour: little to moderate
  • Avoid waterlogging
  • hibernate at about 10 °C

tips

Unlike some other opuntias, the opuntia subulata does not tolerate low temperatures, so pay attention to this when choosing winter quarters.

Category:

Vegetable garden