Mountain Torch Cactus
Cleistocactus strausii
A slender, upright columnar cactus featuring pale grey-green stems densely covered in fine white bristles and spines, growing up to several feet tall.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Water
- Water deeply during the active growing season (spring and summer) allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. Keep dry in winter to prevent root rot.
- Growth
- Perennial columnar cactus forming upright stems that can reach heights of 6 to 10 feet with a slow to moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide full sun exposure and plant in extremely well-draining cactus mix. Water thoroughly only when the soil has completely dried out, and reduce watering significantly during the cooler winter months.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering
Water deeply during the active growing season (spring and summer) allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. Keep dry in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil
Gritty, highly porous cactus and succulent potting mix with excellent drainage, neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11, sensitive to prolonged freezing temperatures.
Growth habit
Perennial columnar cactus forming upright stems that can reach heights of 6 to 10 feet with a slow to moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Summer; produces tubular, dark red or burgundy flowers that emerge horizontally from the stems.
Propagation
Propagated easily from stem cuttings or offsets separated from the base, as well as from seeds sown in well-draining substrate.
Common pests & issues
Prone to root rot if overwatered or kept in poorly draining soil. May occasionally attract mealybugs or spider mites.
Similar species
Pachycereus pringlei and other slender columnar cacti, distinguished primarily by the dense, fine white hairs and spines specific to Cleistocactus strausii.