Torch Cactus (Trichocereus grandiflorus) Plant Care Guide

Difficulty Level: Modest

What is the Torch Cactus?

The Torch Cactus (Trichocereus grandiflorus) is a species of cactus from the Patagonian Desert in Argentina. The Torch Cactus is notable for its huge display of dramatic red colored flowers that open in late spring. When adult Torch Cactus flower they can often produce displays of flowers that cover the top of the plant and can look like a carpet of red flowers from above.

Torch Cactus have become immensely popular in cultivation and are readily sought out by plant collectors. There are ever increasing varieties and colors of Torch Cactus that are being bred with intensely colored flowers that range from yellow through red and Magenta.

The Torch Cactus is frequently mislabeled and many other members of the genus Trichocereus and Echinopsis are frequently labelled as Torch Cactus to increase their perceived value, as the Torch Cactus is one of the most sought after members of the cactus family.

Light Care

Torch Cactus plants can look dramatically different depending on the amount of light they are exposed to. Torch cactus benefit best from direct light and will develop a reddish coloration to their thorns and flesh when exposed to bright sunlight. When grown in a more shaded area Torch cactus will often grow longer thinner stems and their thorns and flesh will remain green. If grown in low light the growth may become lanky and new growth will be directed at a light source, this is an indication that more direct light is required.

Water Care

Water Torch cactus sparingly once every other week allowing the soil to fully dry out between waterings. Torch Cactus benefits from having a cactus style well draining soil and requires a pot with a drainage hole at the bottom. During the winter do not water Torch Cactus and allow the soil to remain dry throughout the winter as this aids in spurring the plant to develop flower buds that will open in spring.

Food Guide

Torch Cactus grow in very nutrient poor soils in the wild. Because of this the roots of Torch Cactus are sensitive to an access of fertilizer and nutrients in the soil. It is best to use slow release fertilizer pellets that release a small amount of fertilizer every time the plant is watered.

Staff Holy Grail Tip

The Torch Cactus really shines best when it is blooming. It can be a good idea to grow your Torch Cactus in a pot to allow it to be moved and used as a living bouquet white its flowering. The Torch Cactus also has some of the most impressive bright red flowers of any cactus and can make an excellent compliment plant to other cacti whose flowers are different colors.

-Atticus

FAQ

Is the Torch Cactus Plant toxic?

Yes, the Torch Cactus has toxic qualities to it. It is not recommended that any part of a Torch Cactus is eaten as the species contains complex alkaloids that are not fully researched by science. These alkaloids may cause vomiting, confusion, and even hallucinations. Torch Cactus is closely related to various hallucinogenic cactus species which are also known to be dangerously toxic as well. Due to the thorns on the Torch Cactus it is unlikely that pets will try to consume the plant but many animals enjoy eating the buds and flowers and should be kept away from the plant while blooming.

What’s the ideal temperature?

Torch Cactus prefer hot temperatures. Most household temperatures are fine for the Torch Cactus and they can survive brief exposure to temperatures below freezing. When growing Torch Cactus outside, avoid placing it in locations that will receive frost and also avoid places with lots of winter rain, as the cactus does not like receiving water in cold conditions.

What’s the ideal humidity level?

Torch Cactus prefer very low humidity environments. Household humidity should be fine in most cases. Avoid growing the Torch Cactus next to other plants who prefer moist soil as the local humidity near them may be high. The Torch Cactus will do well in the low humidity indoor air of winter and prefers not to be watered when temperatures are low, which will further help keep the local humidity low around the plant.

Does it purify the air?

Like many other desert plants the Torch Cactus has adaptations to prevent it from losing water through the air. This means that the Torch Cactus limits how much air in intakes during the daytime preferring to only breath at night. This feature limits how much air the Torch Cactus can purify. It is also important to keep the surface of the Torch Cactus free of dust, the Torch Cactus can occasionally be washed to keep the surface clean, which will boost its ability to clean the air.