Trying to identify this unusual looking cactus

If you have a cactus plant and need help identifying it, this is the place to post it.
Post Reply
jamiex
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Dec 15, 2014 3:42 pm

Trying to identify this unusual looking cactus

Post by jamiex »

Hi,

I was hoping someone on here might know what type of cactus this is.

Thanks!
Attachments
cactus.jpg
cactus.jpg (42.52 KiB) Viewed 1145 times
phil_SK
Posts: 1753
Joined: Sat Oct 14, 2006 10:47 am
Location: Stockport, UK

Re: Trying to identify this unusual looking cactus

Post by phil_SK »

It's a bit hard to tell but Austrocylindropuntia subulata (normal not monstrose form) seems possible.
User avatar
greenknight
Posts: 4813
Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2013 4:18 am
Location: SW Washington State zone 8b

Re: Trying to identify this unusual looking cactus

Post by greenknight »

Might be. It's strange how the leaves are contorted, reminds me of a plant that's been exposed to 2,4-D drift.
Spence :mrgreen:
Onzuka
Posts: 491
Joined: Mon Sep 10, 2012 12:32 pm
Location: God's own county of Yorkshire

Re: Trying to identify this unusual looking cactus

Post by Onzuka »

I think your ID is correct, or very close, but surely the plant is desperate for a drink of water.....

Steve
KittieKAT
Posts: 1246
Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2014 6:49 pm

Re: Trying to identify this unusual looking cactus

Post by KittieKAT »

Could be opuntia "eves needles" but the needles on it look very detoured and dried up - not very happy looking like mine
But i could be wrong
KittieKAT
Posts: 1246
Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2014 6:49 pm

Re: Trying to identify this unusual looking cactus

Post by KittieKAT »

That mix looks like it needs a changing - I'd repot it to a 50-50 mix of Perlite abs sifted cacti an succulent mix
And use apot with drainage holes
jamiex
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Dec 15, 2014 3:42 pm

Re: Trying to identify this unusual looking cactus

Post by jamiex »

Thanks for your replies. Didn't realise it was unhealthy looking. It's not actually mine - I just liked the look of it and wanted to buy one.
KittieKAT
Posts: 1246
Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2014 6:49 pm

Re: Trying to identify this unusual looking cactus

Post by KittieKAT »

Here's my healthy opuntia subuleta "eves needles"
See the difference?
Attachments
CAM02139.jpg
CAM02139.jpg (25.79 KiB) Viewed 1047 times
CAM02142.jpg
CAM02142.jpg (34.86 KiB) Viewed 1047 times
jamiex
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Dec 15, 2014 3:42 pm

Re: Trying to identify this unusual looking cactus

Post by jamiex »

Wow that's quite a big difference. That looks much healthier than the one in the picture I posted.
KittieKAT
Posts: 1246
Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2014 6:49 pm

Re: Trying to identify this unusual looking cactus

Post by KittieKAT »

Yes ive had this one for a while it hasn't flowered for me yet but I'm hoping this summer it will!
User avatar
cactidan
Posts: 168
Joined: Sun Feb 16, 2014 11:59 am
Location: Cambridgeshire, England

Re: Trying to identify this unusual looking cactus

Post by cactidan »

You're gonna needs a BIGGER pot and and an adult subulata if you want to see flowers! ;)

The original plant looks very thirsty, they are really commonly found in garden centres etc and are very easily grown from cuttings.
User avatar
vlani
Posts: 2185
Joined: Fri Apr 11, 2008 5:40 pm
Location: Mountain View CA

Re: Trying to identify this unusual looking cactus

Post by vlani »

KittieKAT no yours is not about to bloom yet. They bloom when become a sizable bush - something like 5 ft tall and wide. It is not really suitable for pot culture plant.
KittieKAT
Posts: 1246
Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2014 6:49 pm

Re: Trying to identify this unusual looking cactus

Post by KittieKAT »

I didn't say it was about to bloom lol that would be silly, i just said I'm hopefully that it will bloom
I can cross my fingers for next year but this guy's only a foot tall from the top to where the roots start maybe a little bigger.
He's done fine in pot for me atleast where i live u can't plant these types of plant's outside or they will freeze to death.
He does need to be upgraded to a bigger pot but im waiting till the spring for that
Post Reply