Family: Cactaceae
Common Name: Silver Torch Cactus

These cactuses from South America are mainly columnar in habit and densely spiny. They produce tubular flowers. In frost-prone climates, grow in an intermediate greenhouse or conservatory, or in warmer climates, in an outdoor cactus garden.

Species

C. strausii, from Bolivia, is the species most commonly grown. When mature, it produces an abundance of red flowers late in summer. In its native habitat, it is pollinated by hummingbirds.

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in pots of well-drained cactus compost and provide maximum light. Water regularly in the growing season but keep dry in winter. Outdoors plant in full sun with well-drained, sandy soil.

Climate

Zone 9 or 10.