Cleistocactus strausii

Cleistocactus strausii, more often known as the 'Silver torch' or 'Wooly torch' cactus is native to the high mountain regions of Bolivia and Argentina.

It is a grey-green tall and slender cactus that can reach a height of around 3m(10 ft) and only 6cm (2.5inches) across. The columns are formed from around 25 ribs. These are densely covered with areoles, supporting four yellow-brown spines up to 4cm(2inches)long and 20 shorter white radials.

Like most cacti it prefers free draining soils and strong sunlight. Although it can withstand hard frosts down to -10°C it dislikes high temperatures. In its natural habitat it receives plenty of water during the summer, but almost none over the winter. In cultivation, watering too much in winter will lead to root rot.

Cultivated plants flower freely once they reach over 45cm(18inches) tall. Cleistocactus strausii produce deep red, burgundy, flowers in late summer. The 6 cm (3 in) long cylindrical flowers protrude horizontally from the columns. In common with other cacti in the genus Cleistocactus, the flowers hardly open, with only the style and stamens protruding.

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