(This plant comes in a 3.5-inch pot. All our plants are grown under the same conditions, although not all the plants are the same. You will receive a similar plant in size and shape to the ones in the pictures. Our plants are hand-picked and carefully selected to bring you the best quality possible. Please allow us up to 3 business days to process your order. If you wish to receive your order on a specific date, or have special instructions, please add a note at the checkout. The plant is shipped in its pot to prevent any damage to the roots.)

Austrocylindropuntia subulata is a popular well-known shrubby cactus with several main branches from the base or a small tree with a simple erect trunk and a large almost hemispherical top often 3 to 4(-5) meters high. The leaves are relatively large and persistent.

Growth Rate
It is a summer grower species that offers no cultivation difficulties.

Flowering
Borne towards the ends of the branches red, not opening widely to 6cm long. Petals are orange-red or greenish-yellow

Water and Feeding/Fertilizer
Must be regularly watered, but allowing the substratum to completely dry up before irrigating again (but do not overwater); in winter, it’s to be kept dry. 

Soil
Use a very a particularly draining substratum, as it is sensitive to rottenness when in presence of humidity and low temperatures and let the soil dry out between waterings.

Hardiness
It is slightly frost resistant cactus, hardy to -4° C if very dry. USDA Zone 9-10.

Light
Outside full sun or afternoon shade, inside needs bright light, and some direct sun.

Propagation
Stem division. Prickly pear pads root easily and grow rapidly when placed in loose, well-draining soil.