About
Cleistocactus strausii is a tall, columnar cactus that can reach heights of up to 1.5 meters. Its upright stems branch at the base and are densely clad in short white spines. In summer, this species produces tubular flowers that are approximately 8 centimeters long, appearing sporadically along the stems in a rose-red hue.
About the genus
Cleistocactus consists of upright, column-like cacti characterized by ribbed, cylindrical stems that may branch over time. These plants are adorned with dense spines and produce tubular flowers.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Cactus Succulent
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
- Native to
- S Bolivia
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow under glass in a standard cactus compost, in full light. Provide low humidity. Water freely when in growth and keep completely dry at other times. Apply a dilute low nitrogen fertilizer fortnightly during late spring and summer
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or stem cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free