Long, cylindrical stems of the Silver Torch Cactus can grow upright and reach heights of up to 6 feet (1.8 metres) or more. The plant’s striking silver-gray or silver-blue colouring is a result of the numerous white spines that cover the stems of the plant. By the time the columns are about 18 inches tall, the silver flame has already started to bloom. The ornamental blossoms, which are rich red or burgundy, protrude from the points and sides of the columnar stalks. Use it in exotic cactus gardens along with other columnar cacti and succulents. In Bolivia and Argentina’s high mountains, this cactus is a natural species.
Care Guide
Water
A drought-tolerant plant that doesn’t need to be watered frequently is the silver torch. When the soil is entirely dry, water it well.
Its three main growing seasons are spring, summer and autumn. To keep the soil just a little bit moist, water once or twice every week. Water the soil only enough to prevent it from drying out too much over the winter, usually once a week. Additionally, use distilled or rainwater instead of tap water.
Calcium, magnesium, and other mineral salts are abundant in tap water. Compaction of the soil is often brought on by prolonged use. When watering, avoid sprinkling water on the stem to avoid rotting.
Fertilizer
Give silver torch a monthly fertilizers application of liquid fertilizers during the growing seasons (spring, summer and fall). Wintertime doesn’t call for fertilizers. When repotting in the spring or autumn, a tiny amount of slow-release fertilizers can be thoroughly incorporated into the soil.
Pruning
Pruning the silver torch doesn’t take up much time. Remove dead branches and blooms to allow the plant to focus its resources on nutrient-rich growth.
Temperature
Silver torches cover all tropical, subtropical, and semi-arid regions with little rain, intense sunlight, and warm temperatures. The optimum temperature for growth is between 20 and 35 °C. Temperatures below 10 °C or above 35 °C cause development to stall and dormancy to start. The surroundings should be well-ventilated and the air humidity shouldn’t be too high. Avoid accumulating water and high humidity.
Soil
The ideal soil conditions for silver torch growth include fertile, gravel-rich, water-permeable, and pH values of 6-7. 60% vermiculite + 20% sandy soil + 20% coco coir or peat moss is a common culture soil composition. You might also add a tiny bit of organic potting soil. To increase the soil’s air permeability, lightweight culture media like vermiculite can be applied. To improve soil fertility, you can also add eggshell powder or vermicompost.
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