Have you ever seen a cactus that look like it ’s having a crazy hair day ? Well , get ready to be wowed by the Opuntia subulata cristata ! This out - of - this - world cactus is unfeignedly one - of - a - form with its bizarre crested increment that spirals into mind - boggling scroll and fan . Keep translate to discover what makes this plant life so fabulously unique and how you may grow your own sculptural masterpiece at home .
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About Opuntia subulata cristata
Rather than producing distinctive cactus stems and peak , the Opuntia subulata cristata go whole rogue with its growth . The cells at the peak of the branches start quickly multiplying , causing the outgrowth to winnow out into wide undulating crests top off with long , emerald - green succulent leave and white spines . These crested offset slow shape into delicious , snake - similar ridged cluster in a hemispheric shape . The works also bourgeon a rapidly - grow cylindrical stalk , giving a peek into its origins . While its few blank spur may look rough , they really add to the plant ’s striking , otherworldly beauty .
Related Post:195 Opuntia Varieties [ With icon ]
How to Care for Opuntia subulata cristata
Light
Like most cacti , the Opuntia subulata cristata is a serioussun - worshiper . It thrives in lustrous , unmediated sunlight for as many time of day as possible . The ideal spot is an exposed outside garden or balcony where it can dowse up those rays all day long . During summertime ’s crest heating plant , give it a shady break to forbid sun scorch . you may also use agrow lightindoors with 14 - 16 hours of light-headed daily .
Watering
Do n’t be a over - waterer with this cactus pal ! The Opuntia subulata cristata likes its soil on the dryer side andis more potential to molder from too much wet than too little . In springiness , summer and fall , give it a recondite watering about every 1 - 2 weeks , letting the soil dry out out completely each time . In wintertime , cut off back to tearing just once a calendar month or whenever the grease is completely dried out . expend rainwater or distilled urine if possible to head off mineral buildup .
Soil
This cactus prefers a well - drain , somewhat acidulous soil mix . A portmanteau of 1 part peat / coco coir , 3 parts vermiculite and 1 part common sand works dead . you could also mix in a fistful of compost or slow - release plant food . The vermiculite helps increase airflow to the roots to prevent rot . Repot every year or two using fresh premix to exert well drain .
Fertilizing
During the produce season of spring through fall , feed your Opuntia subulata cristata with a balancedcactus fertilizeronce a month . Avoid fertilizing in the winter when ontogenesis is minimum . you could also top - frock with compost or insect castings as fertilizer .
Temperature and Humidity
aboriginal to hot , desiccate desert area , the Opuntia subulata cristata flourish in warm temperature from about 68 ° F to 95 ° farad . dark temps below 50 ° farad or heat over 95 ° degree Fahrenheit can damage the plant life . It prefers very low humidity and dry air , so avoid muggy term .
Pests and Problems
This funky cactus can occasionally bepesteredby mealybugs , spider mites or fungal diseases if overwatered or in poor airflow . delay for signs like webbing , yellow or black spot and address accordingly . clip off any diseased section .
Pruning
Since the Opuntia subulata cristata ’s crazy emergence is its star component , very lilliputian pruning is required . Just snip off off any drained or damaged top arm .
Potting and Repotting
expend a breathable clay or ceramic green goddess with drainage muddle , andrepot every 1 - 2 yearsin spring or fall into a container just an inch or two wider . Gently knock off any old soil from the root when repotting into fresh mix .
How to Propagate Opuntia subulata cristata
This whimsical cactus can be well disseminate from cuttings or engraft to grow your own crested masterpieces .
No matter which propagation method you choose , have patience ! These crazy - crested cactus can take their seraphic metre shew themselves before explode into whorled increment .
