Silver Torch

$80.00

🌵 Cleistocactus strausii (Silver Torch Cactus)

Common Names:
Silver Torch Cactus, Woolly Torch, Silver Column Cactus

Family:
Cactaceae

Origin:
Native to the high-altitude regions of Bolivia and Argentina, typically growing between 1,500 to 3,000 meters (5,000 to 10,000 feet) above sea level.

📏 Physical Description

  • Growth Habit:
    A tall, slender, columnar cactus that grows upright and often forms dense clumps of stems over time.

  • Height:
    Can reach up to 3 meters (10 feet) in cultivation, though often stays smaller in pots.

  • Stem Color:
    The stems are blue-green to grey-green, but they appear silvery due to being densely covered with short, fine white hairs.

  • Ribs:
    Typically has 25 to 30 narrow, vertical ribs, giving the plant a ridged texture.

  • Spines:
    From each areole, you'll find short radial spines (fine and white) and a few longer, more noticeable yellowish to brown central spines.

🌸 Flowers

  • Blooming Time:
    Summer (but only when the plant is mature—usually after several years).

  • Flower Shape:
    Produces narrow, tubular, burgundy to deep reddish-purple flowers, about 6–8 cm (2–3 inches) long.

  • Flower Position:
    The flowers emerge horizontally from the sides of the upper parts of the stems.

  • Pollination:
    Adapted for hummingbird pollination in its native range.

🌱 Cultivation and Care

  • Light:
    Thrives in full sun, though younger plants appreciate some afternoon shade in very hot climates.

  • Watering:
    Water deeply but infrequently during the growing season (spring and summer). Allow soil to fully dry out between waterings. Keep almost dry during winter to prevent root rot.

  • Soil:
    Prefers well-draining cactus or succulent soil. A mix with extra perlite or coarse sand is ideal.

  • Temperature:
    Surprisingly cold-tolerant for a cactus, can handle temperatures down to -10°C (14°F) if kept dry.

  • Feeding:
    Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer.

✅ Key Features

  • Appearance:
    Known for its silvery, fuzzy stem covering, giving it a unique, frosted look year-round.

  • Landscape Use:
    Excellent for xeriscaping, rock gardens, desert-themed gardens, or as a potted specimen.

  • Growth Rate:
    Moderate—faster than many columnar cacti under ideal conditions.

  • Propagation:
    Easily propagated from stem cuttings or by seed (though seeds grow slowly).

✅ Quick Summary

The Cleistocactus strausii (Silver Torch Cactus) is a beautiful, cold-hardy, low-maintenance columnar cactus that offers both architectural height and seasonal color from its vibrant tubular flowers. Its silvery appearance makes it a real standout in cactus collections and drought-tolerant landscapes.

🌵 Cleistocactus strausii (Silver Torch Cactus)

Common Names:
Silver Torch Cactus, Woolly Torch, Silver Column Cactus

Family:
Cactaceae

Origin:
Native to the high-altitude regions of Bolivia and Argentina, typically growing between 1,500 to 3,000 meters (5,000 to 10,000 feet) above sea level.

📏 Physical Description

  • Growth Habit:
    A tall, slender, columnar cactus that grows upright and often forms dense clumps of stems over time.

  • Height:
    Can reach up to 3 meters (10 feet) in cultivation, though often stays smaller in pots.

  • Stem Color:
    The stems are blue-green to grey-green, but they appear silvery due to being densely covered with short, fine white hairs.

  • Ribs:
    Typically has 25 to 30 narrow, vertical ribs, giving the plant a ridged texture.

  • Spines:
    From each areole, you'll find short radial spines (fine and white) and a few longer, more noticeable yellowish to brown central spines.

🌸 Flowers

  • Blooming Time:
    Summer (but only when the plant is mature—usually after several years).

  • Flower Shape:
    Produces narrow, tubular, burgundy to deep reddish-purple flowers, about 6–8 cm (2–3 inches) long.

  • Flower Position:
    The flowers emerge horizontally from the sides of the upper parts of the stems.

  • Pollination:
    Adapted for hummingbird pollination in its native range.

🌱 Cultivation and Care

  • Light:
    Thrives in full sun, though younger plants appreciate some afternoon shade in very hot climates.

  • Watering:
    Water deeply but infrequently during the growing season (spring and summer). Allow soil to fully dry out between waterings. Keep almost dry during winter to prevent root rot.

  • Soil:
    Prefers well-draining cactus or succulent soil. A mix with extra perlite or coarse sand is ideal.

  • Temperature:
    Surprisingly cold-tolerant for a cactus, can handle temperatures down to -10°C (14°F) if kept dry.

  • Feeding:
    Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer.

✅ Key Features

  • Appearance:
    Known for its silvery, fuzzy stem covering, giving it a unique, frosted look year-round.

  • Landscape Use:
    Excellent for xeriscaping, rock gardens, desert-themed gardens, or as a potted specimen.

  • Growth Rate:
    Moderate—faster than many columnar cacti under ideal conditions.

  • Propagation:
    Easily propagated from stem cuttings or by seed (though seeds grow slowly).

✅ Quick Summary

The Cleistocactus strausii (Silver Torch Cactus) is a beautiful, cold-hardy, low-maintenance columnar cactus that offers both architectural height and seasonal color from its vibrant tubular flowers. Its silvery appearance makes it a real standout in cactus collections and drought-tolerant landscapes.