Cleistocactus winteri

golden rat-tail cactus
Fast growing golden cactus makes a mass of arching and then cascading stems. Showy salmon flowers during warm months. Display in a pot or coming down a wall. Some shade in hottest climates.
Cleistocactus winteriCleistocactus winteri
height 4–6in
width 2–3ft
tolerates Drought, Deer , Heat, Pots, Rooftops, Wind
water
needs		 Low – Moderate
water
info		 Most cactus, like this one, 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 does not want to sit around totally dried out during its 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 won’t tolerate overwatering.

Remember that if kept in a small pot your plant will want more frequent watering in summer but will also fare better through winter rains.
hardy
to		 22F
exposure Part Sun – 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		 9, 14–H2

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

In nature this plant grows on rocks where it hangs and tumbles downward, but in gardens it is more commonly displayed in either a hanging pot or in a very tall pot, which allows it to cascade handsomely. If your cactus ever gets too long you can prune it back and your plant will grow new heads wherever it was pruned. Pruning is best done at the beginning of summer when winter rains end.
The heights here are given as this plant typically grows in nature, along the ground.

Special Interest

Salmon colored flowers attract hummingbirds.