A slender columnar cactus densely clothed in fine white spines giving a silvery silken sheen, sending out horizontal deep-red tubular flowers from mature stems. A graceful upright accent for hot dry spots.
At a glance
- Plant type: Succulent
- Mature size: 2 m H × 30 cm W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Silver Torch Cactus
Cleistocactus strausii is a slow-growing succulent in the Cactaceae family. It reaches around 2 m tall and 30 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Red flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Silver Torch Cactus
Silver Torch Cactus suits arid and semi-arid, Mediterranean and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and is a sought-after collector's plant.
Soil & planting
Silver Torch Cactus does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Silver Torch Cactus is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Silver Torch Cactus after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Silver Torch Cactus in the garden
Silver Torch Cactus earns its place for pots and courtyard containers and a feature or specimen planting. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Silver Torch Cactus with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and arid and semi-arid climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Good to know
It is thorny — useful as a barrier, but wear gloves when pruning.
Buying Silver Torch Cactus
Plant Sale lists Silver Torch Cactus as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.