If you love to garden and want to add a desert touch to your collection, Cleistocactus strausii is the perfect plant for you!
This cactus is easy to care for and doesn’t require too much attention.
Some of the common household names for the Cleistocactus strausii include:
- Cleistocactus
- Fairy cactus
- Miniature torch cactus
- Silver orch cactus
The name ‘cleistocactus’ comes from the Greek word ‘kleistos,’ meaning ‘closed,’ referring to the small flowers this plant produces.
The name fairy cactus and miniature torch cactus come from the plant’s small size and ability to thrive in dry conditions.
The name silver torch cactus refers to the plant’s silvery-green color.
Some of its other scientific names include:
- Echinocactus strausii
- Weingartia strausii
- Cleistocactus winteri
Here are a few reasons why you might want to get one:
- Cleistocactus strausii is a beautiful plant that can add some color to your garden. It has long, thin stems with small flowers blooming in various colors, including pink, red, yellow, and white.
- This cactus is native to the desert regions of South America, so it’s used to hot, dry conditions. This means it’s quite a drought tolerant and doesn’t need a lot of water to survive.
- Cleistocactus strausii is a fast-growing plant that can quickly fill any empty space in your garden.
- This cactus is relatively easy to care for and can tolerate various soil types and temperatures.
Quick Facts On Cleistocactus Strausii
- Family: Cactaceae
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Temperature: 50° degrees Fahrenheit.
- Water: Drought tolerant; once every two weeks
- Fertilizer: Low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer
- Propagation: Offsets, stem cuttings
- Common Problems: Root rot, mealybugs
Cleistocactus Strausii Care
This section will briefly go over the characteristics of Cleistocactus Strausii, as well as care instructions for those who are looking to grow this cactus.
What Does The Silver Torch Plant Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
The Cleistocactus strausii is a columnar cactus that can grow up to 10′ feet tall, though it is more common for this plant to be between 4′ and 6′ feet tall.
The plant has green stems with 1″ to 2″ inches long spines.
When grown indoors, this plant is typically much smaller, only growing to be about 2′ or 3′ feet tall.
The size of the plant will also depend on the pot where it’s grown.
When Does The Silver Torch Plant Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The flowers of the Cleistocactus strausii are typically red, pink, or white, and they bloom in the summer. The flowers are not typically very fragrant.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Cleistocactus strausii thrives in full sun to partial shade. In fact, it needs at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day to maintain its compact shape.
Therefore, if grown indoors, place it near a sunny window. Outdoors, it’s best to provide dappled sunlight or afternoon shade in hot summer climates.
The Silver torch plant also prefers warm temperatures and can tolerate temperatures as low as 50° degrees Fahrenheit.
However, it is not frost tolerant and should be brought indoors if the temperature outside drops below 50° degrees Fahrenheit.
How And When To Water And Fertilize The Silver Torch Plant?
Cleistocactus strausii is a drought tolerant plant and does not need to be watered very often. In fact, it is more likely to die from overwatering than from underwatering.
Water this plant about once every two weeks during the growing season and once a month during the winter.
When watering, allow the soil to dry out completely in between waterings.
The Silver Torch plant does not need to be fertilized very often either. In fact, it is best to only fertilize it once a year in the spring.
Again, use a cactus fertilizer that has been diluted to half strength.
What Is The Best Soil For Cleistocactus Strausii, And When Should You Transplant?
The best soil for cleistocactus strausii is a well-draining soil that is sandy or loamy. A cactus mix or a succulent mix can also be used.
This plant does not like to sit in wet soil, so make sure the pot has drainage holes.
It is best to transplant the Silver torch plant every 2 to 3 years. However, it can be transplanted more often if needed.
The best way to tell if your Cleistocactus strausii needs to be transplanted is to check the soil. If the top of the soil is wet, it is time to transplant.
When moving the Silver torch plant indoors to the outdoors, you should do so gradually to avoid shocking the plant.
Here’s what to do:
- Start by placing it in a shady spot for a week and then slowly move it into sunlight over a few weeks.
- You should also do so gradually, moving the plant indoors from the outdoors.
- Start by placing the plant in a sunny spot for a week and then slowly move it into lower light for a few weeks.
- Check the plant for pests such as mealybugs, scale, or aphids before bringing it indoors.
How To OverWinter Cleistocactus Strausii?
If you live in an area where winter is too cold for Cleistocactus strausii, you will need to overwinter your plant indoors.
To do this, do the following:
- Stop watering the plant about 6 weeks before the first frost.
- Allow the soil to dry out completely, and then move the plant to a cool, dark location such as a garage or basement.
- Do not water the plant at all over winter.
If the plant starts to shrink and wrinkle, it is getting too dry, and you will need to give it a very light misting about once a month.
When the last frost has passed in the spring, move the plant back outdoors and start watering it again.
How To Propagate Silver Torch Cactus?
Silver torch cactus, or Cleistocactus strausii, is a South American native that’s easily recognized by its long, thin, silver-colored spines.
If you’re thinking about adding a silver torch cactus to your collection, you may wonder how to propagate it.
Keep reading to learn everything you know about silver torch cactus propagation.
There are two primary silver torch cactus propagation methods:
- Seed
- Stem
Seed Propagation
If you’re starting with seeds, here’s what you need to do:
- The first step is to soak them in warm water overnight. This will help soften the hard outer shell, making it easier for the seedling to emerge.
- The next day, plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix.
- You can plant them individually in small pots or sow them together in one larger pot.
- Just be sure to keep the soil moist (but not soggy) until the seeds germinate.
Germination can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, so be patient and don’t give up if you don’t see results immediately.
Once the seedlings emerge, you can begin to water them more regularly.
Stem Propagation
Silver torch cactus can also be propagated via stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Take a cutting using a sharp knife or scissors, about 3″ to 4″ inches from the main stem.
- Allow the cutting to callus for a few days before planting it in a well-draining potting mix.
- As with seed propagation, keep the soil moist until the cutting takes root.
- Once it takes root, you can begin to water it more regularly.
Cleistocactus Strausii Pests And Diseases
Fortunately, the Silver torch cactus is relatively resistant to pests and disease problems.
However, there are a few things to watch out for, including:
- Mealybugs
- Scales
- Root rot
Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on plant sap. They can cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
If you see mealybugs on your silver torch cactus, you can remove them by hand or with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Scales are small, hard-bodied insects that attach themselves to plant stems and leaves.
They feed on plant sap, which can eventually lead to stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
Scale can be removed by hand or with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Root rot is a fungal disease that can be caused by over-watering. Symptoms include:
- Yellowing leaves
- Wilting
- Stunted growth
If you think your silver torch cactus has root rot, it’s important to act quickly. Remove the affected roots and replant the cactus in a fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Suggested Uses For Fairy Cactus
The fairy cactus is a beautiful plant perfect for indoor and outdoor gardens. It’s easy to care for and a great addition to any collection.
Outdoors, fairy cactus can be used to create a living fence or privacy screen. It can also be planted in containers, rock gardens, and xeriscapes.
Indoors, it makes a great houseplant or office plant. It can also be used in terrariums, dish gardens, and as an accent plant in larger containers.
Whether you’re looking for a plant to add color to your landscape or searching for a unique gift for a friend, fairy cactus is sure to please.
So what are you waiting for? Add a fairy cactus to your collection today!