Silver torch cactus Cleistocactus strausii
Silver torch cactus (Cleistocactus strausii) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Cactaceae family, native to Mountains of Tarija, southern Bolivia, and northern Argentina. It grows 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) tall and 50 cm–1.5 m (20 in–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
Plan Silver torch cactus in your garden →
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Silver torch cactus at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Mature height | 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50 cm–1.5 m (20 in–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 313–521 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mountains of Tarija, southern Bolivia, and northern Argentina |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Silver torch cactus toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; spiny.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Silver torch cactus
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Silver torch cactus
- How far apart should I plant Silver torch cactus?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1.5 m (20 in–4.9 ft).
- Does Silver torch cactus need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Silver torch cactus need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Silver torch cactus?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Silver torch cactus flower?
- About 313–521 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Silver torch cactus poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; spiny.
- What grows well with Silver torch cactus?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Silver torch cactus. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- LLIFLE Encyclopedia of Cacti and Succulents, LLIFLE (Living Encyclopedia), Italy
Notes and assumptions
- A plant of dry, sunny places: grow it in gritty, free-draining soil and water deeply but rarely; cold and wet together kill it faster than frost or drought.
- Slender columns covered in dense, bristly white spines, branching from the base like a cluster of silver candles; narrow red tubular flowers stick out sideways and barely open, made for hummingbirds.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Prickly pear (nopal) Opuntia ficus-indica
- Golden barrel cactus Echinocactus grusonii
- Saguaro Carnegiea gigantea
- Fishhook barrel cactus Ferocactus wislizeni
- Teddy-bear cholla Cylindropuntia bigelovii
- Engelmann's prickly pear Opuntia engelmannii
- Organ pipe cactus Stenocereus thurberi
- Mexican giant cardón Pachycereus pringlei