


Cleistocactus icosagonus
🌵 Cleistocactus icosagonus
Family: Cactaceae
Native Range: Ecuador and Peru, typically found at elevations between 1,000 and 3,000 meters. en.wikipedia.org
📏 Physical Description
Growth Habit: Forms clumping shrubs with cylindrical stems that are initially upright but may become sprawling or ascending as they mature. ruthbancroftgarden.org
Stem Characteristics: Light green stems measuring 20 to 60 cm in length and 3 to 5 cm in diameter. They possess 8 to 21 low, rounded ribs divided by furrows into tubercles. de.wikipedia.org+2plantsnap.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2
Spines: Each areole bears 25 to 60 golden-yellow spines, 1 to 1.5 cm long, which are needle-like or bristly. en.wikipedia.org+1de.wikipedia.org+1
🌸 Flowers and Fruits
Flowers: Tubular, slightly curved flowers that are pink to scarlet or orange, measuring 7 to 8 cm in length. They emerge slightly below the stem tips and are flared at the mouth. ruthbancroftgarden.org
Fruits: Spherical, green to yellow fruits, 2 to 4 cm in diameter, often covered with a few hairs. en.wikipedia.org
🌱 Cultivation and Care
Light: Thrives in full sun to bright shade; ensure it receives ample light for optimal growth. plantlust.com
Soil: Prefers well-draining, gritty, or rocky soil. A cactus or succulent mix is ideal.plantlust.com
Watering: Drought-tolerant once established. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Keep dry during winter. plantlust.com
Temperature: Not frost-hardy; protect from freezing temperatures.
Propagation: Can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. Allow cuttings to callous before planting.
🌼 Notable Features
Aesthetic Appeal: The combination of golden-yellow spines and vibrant red-orange flowers makes it a striking addition to any collection. ruthbancroftgarden.org
Wildlife Attraction: Its tubular flowers are known to attract hummingbirds, adding dynamic interest to gardens.
Versatility: Suitable for container planting, rock gardens, and xeriscaping due to its low water requirements and unique appearance.
🌵 Cleistocactus icosagonus
Family: Cactaceae
Native Range: Ecuador and Peru, typically found at elevations between 1,000 and 3,000 meters. en.wikipedia.org
📏 Physical Description
Growth Habit: Forms clumping shrubs with cylindrical stems that are initially upright but may become sprawling or ascending as they mature. ruthbancroftgarden.org
Stem Characteristics: Light green stems measuring 20 to 60 cm in length and 3 to 5 cm in diameter. They possess 8 to 21 low, rounded ribs divided by furrows into tubercles. de.wikipedia.org+2plantsnap.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2
Spines: Each areole bears 25 to 60 golden-yellow spines, 1 to 1.5 cm long, which are needle-like or bristly. en.wikipedia.org+1de.wikipedia.org+1
🌸 Flowers and Fruits
Flowers: Tubular, slightly curved flowers that are pink to scarlet or orange, measuring 7 to 8 cm in length. They emerge slightly below the stem tips and are flared at the mouth. ruthbancroftgarden.org
Fruits: Spherical, green to yellow fruits, 2 to 4 cm in diameter, often covered with a few hairs. en.wikipedia.org
🌱 Cultivation and Care
Light: Thrives in full sun to bright shade; ensure it receives ample light for optimal growth. plantlust.com
Soil: Prefers well-draining, gritty, or rocky soil. A cactus or succulent mix is ideal.plantlust.com
Watering: Drought-tolerant once established. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Keep dry during winter. plantlust.com
Temperature: Not frost-hardy; protect from freezing temperatures.
Propagation: Can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. Allow cuttings to callous before planting.
🌼 Notable Features
Aesthetic Appeal: The combination of golden-yellow spines and vibrant red-orange flowers makes it a striking addition to any collection. ruthbancroftgarden.org
Wildlife Attraction: Its tubular flowers are known to attract hummingbirds, adding dynamic interest to gardens.
Versatility: Suitable for container planting, rock gardens, and xeriscaping due to its low water requirements and unique appearance.