Cleistocactus strausii

silver torch
Silvery-grey coat of spines envelopes narrow columns that grow in clusters and sport cherry-red tubular flowers appealing to birds.
Cleistocactus strausiiCleistocactus strausiiCleistocactus strausiiCleistocactus strausiiCleistocactus strausiiCleistocactus strausii
height 6–10ft
width 3–6ft
tolerates Cold, Drought, Fog, Heat, Pots, Rooftops, Wind
water
needs		 Low
water
info		 Most cactus are from the deserts of the world and as such like to go totally bone dry between waterings, making them very low-maintenance. If you see your cactus begin to shrivel or lose firmness, your cactus is likely totally dry and should be watered. To get good healthy growth your plant doesn’t want to sit around totally dried out during it’s growing season. Once it is dry water it.

This cactus comes from an area with summer rainfall and is actively growing during that time, when it is forgiving of overwatering errors. During winter dormancy it should be kept extra dry and will be intolerant of overwatering.

Remember that if kept in a small pot your plant will want more frequent watering.
hardy
to		 15F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing All Purpose, Low Needs
origin Bolivia
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 8, 9, 12–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

Suckers from the base, but doesn’t branch.
If cut back the columns will resprout from where they are pruned, but the scar will be long lasting. These tails can be set aside for a week or two until they callus off and then be planted in a quick draining mix to root them. This should be done in late spring or early summer.