Silver Torch Cactus, Choose Exact Plant - Free US Shipping

Cleistocactus strausii, commonly known as Silver Torch Cactus and Wooly Torch Cactus, is a slender and tall growing succulent that is native to Bolivia. They are one of the relatively few cacti that are cold hardy and actually prefer cooler temperatures.

The columnar stems can grow to a height of 10 feet however are seldom are larger than 3 inches in diameter. They typically branch at the base and have longer and thicker yellow spines that protrude through the soft white spines that cover the plant.

The listing photographs show multiple sides of the exact Silver Torch cacti that are being made available. The photos were taken on September 17, 2023 and each is identifiable by the corresponding letter.


Plant "A": Single stem that stands 7-1/2 inches above the soil. It measures 3/4 inches in diameter at the base and is shown growing in a 6 inch pot.

Plant "B": Single stem that stands 9 inches above the soil. It measures 1 inch in diameter at the base and is shown growing in a 6 inch pot.

Plant "C": Single plant with main stem and three branches at the base. The main stem has a height of 7-3/4 inches and has a diameter of 1 inch at the base. The two larger branches measure 3-1/2 and 3-1/4 inches in length and the third branch is just beginning to emerge. This plant is shown in a 6 inch pot.

Plant "D": Single stem standing 22 inches tall and measuring 1-3/4 inches in diameter at the base. This cactus was photographed growing in a 3 gallon pot.

Plant "E": Single plant that has two branches at the top of the main stem. This base of this cactus is 2 inches in diameter and the branches are10 and 7 inches in length. The plant has an overall height of 21 inches when measured from the soil surface to the top of the tallest branch. It is shown in a 3 gallon container.

All of these plants will be shipped without their pots and with very little soil.


C. strausii may be grown inside or out and should be provided with as much sunlight as possible. Their soil should be well draining and we have found that replacing 25% of the cactus soil volume with perlite or another inorganic material is an ideal mix. Water them once the soil has dried completely during the summer months and only once every 4 weeks during spring and fall. Do not water them during winter. These cacti can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and need to be kept cool during the winter months (between 40 and 55 degrees) to give them a dormant resting period. During summer, do not expose them to temperatures above 90 degrees if possible.

We cannot ship these cacti to destinations within the states of California, Hawaii or to the US island territories. Contact us prior to ordering if the destination falls within the state of Alaska as additional shipping charges may apply. Shipping to all other US destinations is included in the listing prices. These plants may ship by either USPS Ground or Federal Express Home Delivery.