Austrocylindropuntia

Family. Cactaceae.

Homeland of the cactus. South America.

Description. The genus Austrocylindropuntia or Opuntia subulata includes eleven species of cylindrical prickly pears from South America. It is usually a slender, columnar white and very fuzzy cactus with cylindrical stems 3 cm in diameter, pubescent with long white hairs. Young stems have noticeable round succulent leaves about 3 cm in diameter, which soon fall off. Flowers are yellow, orange or red on strong, spiny flower tubes appearing at the top of the stem. The fruits of the cactus are fleshy and round. The areoles have numerous small white spines up to 1 cm long. Among this species, there are cacti without spines.

Height. Up to 60 cm. 

Home care

Temperature

This house cactus does not like the hot, muggy summer months, during which time it is best to place these plants in well-ventilated areas with adequate air movement. Minimum temperature 10°C.

Reproduction

Seeds rarely go on sale and are very difficult to germinate. It is best to propagate by stem cuttings or grafting. 

Flowering time 

Spring Summer. 

Lighting

Direct sun or light shade in hot weather.

How to grow

Extremely hardy and beautiful cacti grow quickly, but bloom only with proper care and keeping them cool and dry in winter.

Soil

Requires a well-drained potting mix, with some perlite to provide drainage. 

Transplant

Adult plants are replanted as needed into fresh substrate once every 2-3 years, in the spring.

Feeding

Indoor cacti are fed every month during the period of active growth with fertilizer in half the concentration.  

Air humidity

There are no special requirements; the dry air of apartments is quite comfortable for these plants. 

Watering austrocylindropuntia

This is a special type of cacti that requires regular watering during the growing season. However, it is prone to root rot, so it would be prudent to slightly dry the substrate before the next watering and reduce the frequency of watering during the winter dormant period.

Pests and diseases

Root rot due to excessive watering during the dormant period or stagnation of water at the roots. 

Among the harmful insects, the flower can be attacked by mealybugs, aphids, scale insects, and nematodes. 

Varieties: 

Austrocylindropuntia subulata

     Large and abundantly branching shrub. The cylindrical, thin stems are densely covered with long, spiky, green leaves. During the flowering period, small pink flowers appear at the ends of the branches, which often remain half-open.