Description for Silver torch
Cactus (Cleistocactus strausii) is known for a single, fuzzy white spine. Thriving in windowsills, greenhouses and even outdoors, the Silver Torch requires plenty of space to spread its roots. When it reaches 18 inches in height, watch for a beautiful show as peach-colored blooms appear during spring and summer months.
Cleistocactus strausii (silver torch or wooly torch) is a perennial cactus of the family Cactaceae. It is native to high mountain regions of Bolivia and Argentina, above 3,000 m (9,843 ft).
Common name | Flower colours | Bloom time | Height | Difficulty |
---|---|---|---|---|
Silver Torch, Wooly Torch, Silver Torch Cactus. | – | summer. | Older cactuses, over 45 cm (17.5 in) tall, produce deep red, burgundy, flowers in late summer. The 6 cm (2.5 in) long cylindrical flowers protrude horizontally from the columns | Easy to grow. |
Planting and care
Sunlight | Soil | Water | Temperature | Fertilizer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Strong sunlight. | free draining soils. | Rare watering. | Does not prefer high temperatures. It can withstand hard frosts down to -10C. | At the start of the growth period, apply a dressing of long term slow fertiliser and stir it into the surface soil in the pot. As an alternative, fertiliser may be incorporated with the potting mixture when repotting. |
Caring for Silver torch
- Cactus grown indoors tend to gather dust. These spiny cacti can be effectively washed down with a soft shaving brush.
When cleaning them, it is a good idea to protect the roots by laying a piece of plastic sheeting over the potting mixture to prevent undue wetting at the base of the plant. Use newspaper as a wrapping to protect the hands from the spines when handling the cactus.
Typical uses of Silver torch
Special features:
Ornamental use: Cleistocactus strausii makes an attractive landscape plant and or container patio plant where some height is needed, being an attractive accent plant. This columnar tall cactus is suitable for large landscape. Indoors make a spectacular ascent plant as mature Cleistocactus strausii and will flower if it is provided with enough light.
References
- http://www.plantsrescue.com/tag/silver-torch-cactus/
- http://homeguides.sfgate.com/grow-silver-torch-cactus-65476.html
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