Silver Torch – Desert Horizon Nursery

Silver Torch

Cleistocactus strausii
Categories:
Cacti & Succulents  ·  
Columnar Cactus
Light
Full sun (afternoon shade in low desert)
Water
Low water; water deeply, then allow soil to dry completely. Keep nearly dry in winter, and avoid frequent watering during extreme summer heat.
Size
6-10 ft tall × 1-2 ft wide
Habit
Columnar cactus – clustering
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Description
A slender, upright cactus native to mountainous South America, with green stems densely covered in silvery-white spines that create a soft, woolly appearance.
Bloom Time
Spring to summer
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Attracts Hummingbirds, Colorful Foliage, Drought Tolerant
Growth Rate
Slow
Growth Habit
Columnar cactus – clustering
Mature Size
6-10 ft tall × 1-2 ft wide
Flower Color
Dark red to burgundy
Foliage Color
Green with dense silver-white spines
Landscape Use
Border / Bed, Cactus / Succulent Garden, Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape, Specimen / Accent
Garden Style
Desert / Xeriscape, Pollinator / Wildlife
Soil
Moist Soil, Sandy / Rocky
Companion Plants
Compact aloes, Golden barrel cactus, Parry's agave
Non-toxic
Non-toxic
Care Instructions

Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade in Phoenix; protect from intense western sun and reflected heat.

Water: Low water; water deeply, then allow soil to dry completely. Keep nearly dry in winter, and avoid frequent watering during extreme summer heat.

Soil: Excellent drainage is essential; use a gritty cactus mix or plant in a raised, gravelly bed. Avoid heavy clay and moisture-retentive soil.

Mature size: 6–10 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide as a multistemmed clump; individual stems are approximately 2–3 inches thick.

Bloom: Typically spring through summer on mature stems; young plants may take several years to flower.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.

Growth rate: Moderate under favorable conditions; slower during extreme heat or prolonged drought.