About
In spring it produces red or pink flowers to 5cm long. A trailing cactus with cylindrical, fleshy stems to 1m long, densely covered with white, hair-like spines. Best grown in a hanging basket in a conservatory or temperate greenhouse.
About the genus
Cleistocactus are erect columnar cacti with ribbed, eventually branched, cylindrical stems bearing dense spines and tubular flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeSand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent
HabitTrailing
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHanging basket, Houseplants
Native toBolivia
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in standard cactus compost in full light and with low humidity. In the growing season water moderately and apply a dilute low-nitrogen fertiliser monthly. Keep completely dry from mid-autumn to spring. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by stem cuttings in summer, or by seed sown in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to root rots