About
This trailing cactus features elongated, cylindrical stems that can reach lengths of up to 1.5 meters, adorned with dense clusters of golden yellow, bristle-like spines. During the summer months, it produces orange-red flowers that measure up to 5 centimeters in length. It thrives when cultivated in a hanging basket, making it an ideal choice for conservatories or temperate greenhouses.
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
- Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Cactus Succulent
- Habit
- Trailing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Hanging basket, Houseplants
- Native to
- Bolivia
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Under 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
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by stem cuttings in summer, or by seed sown in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to root rots