Product Description:
Cleistocactus Strausii, commonly known as Silver Torch Cactus, is a unique-looking perennial cactus, thanks to its wooly white appearance given by the fine needles and bristles covering its stem. It can be an amazing houseplant and a great addition to your cacti collection. This plant is really easy to grow, and the only thing you need to avoid when caring for it is overwatering. Other than this, Cleistocactus strausii is really forgiving and has the typically needs most succulents have. These unique-looking plants are native to the high mountain regions of Argentina and Bolivia. A mature Silver Torch Cactus can reach up to 10 feet (3m) and about 2.5 inches (6 cm) in diameter.
Sunlight:
This plant needs plenty of natural light to grow and bloom. So, whether you are planning to plant it in your garden or in a container, make sure you find a spot where it will get at least 6 hours of full light daily.
Water:
Water the cactus during the spring and summer when the top inch of soil dries out. During the fall, reduce watering to every five weeks if the ground dries out. In winter, keep the cactus dry.
Soil:
To prepare well-draining soil for your Silver Torch Cactus, use at least 50% sand in the mix, peat moss or compost, and pea gravel.
Fertilizer:
Ideally, you should fertilize your cactus once in spring and once in summer. All-purpose, liquid fertilizer will suffice, but make sure you dilute it to half strength first. There is no need to fertilize in fall and winter when growth is slow.
Temperature:
Also, the lowest temperature the plant can survive is around -6.7 °C (20 °F). So, if you live in an area with a cold climate, it’s best to plant your Silver Torch Cactus in a container. Silver Torch cactus thrives at normal room temperatures (50-60 °F).
Propagating Silver Torch Cactus:
Silver Torch Cactus can be propagated by cutting a small branch from the mature plant, planting it in a separate container, and waiting for it to develop its root system. Yet, this will inevitably leave a disfiguring scar near the base of the main steam of your mature plant. If you remove a cutting for propagation, allow it to dry for about a week so that the wound heals.
