Golden Torch Cactus
Golden Torch Cactus looks like what you'd imagine. A cactus with golden sparks.
Although it's beautiful all year-round, standing tall and looking magnificent with its golden spines, it's when it blooms that it captures everyone's attention. The flowers are mesmerizing, with their beautiful, large, white petals, and they smell like perfume for humans and pollinators alike.
Botanical name: Echinopsis spachiana (previously named Trichocereus spachianus)
Other names: Golden torch, Golden column cactus, Sea urchin cactus
Golden Torch Cactus for sale at our nursery
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Golden Torch Cactus Appearance
Golden Torch Cactus stands upright, with a generous amount or branches growing from the base of the plant, all of which grow upright as well.
The stems are bright green with a slight yellow hue, have 10-15 ribs, and are covered in short, golden spines.
Flowers bloom in late spring or early summer and possibly again in the fall. Blossoms are very showy, with large, white flowers that are 5 to 8 inches wide with long tubes. Multiple flowers from the same plant usually bloom at the same time, adding to the spectacle.
Golden Torch Cactus Landscaping Tips
A Golden Torch Cactus looks great on its own or grown in several locations as clusters in xeriscape landscaping such as rock gardens and Southwestern-themed gardens.
We love seeing them alongside other desert plants such as cacti, agaves, and blooming desert shrubs. They look great in both formal desert gardens as well as natural-looking gardens.
When planting, allow for vertical clearance. It grows to be about 5-7 foot tall. Give it some room to spread horizontally as well since it grows lots of branches from the base.
Looks beautiful in pots and containers.
Golden Torch Cactus Origin
Argentina, in warm and temperate areas that are mostly dry
Golden Torch Cactus in detail
Golden Torch Cactus Care
Caring for Golden Torch is easy, and is similar to caring for the typical cactus. Main issues are with overwatering.
Soil: Loose, well draining soil that is moderately fertile.
Temperature: Can withstand temperatures slightly below frost (frost = 32 degrees Fahrenheit) for a brief period of time.
Water: Occasional, deep watering. Allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. Either use a moisture meter or stick your finger through the soil to gauge the moisture level. It’s better to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering.
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Golden Torch Cactus Problems
Pests: The most common pests that Golden Torch Cactus gets are mealybugs and spider mites.
To remove mealybugs, use insecticidal soap or apply rubbing alcohol directly to the area of infestation using a cotton swab.
To remove spider mites, use horticultural oil for crawlers and insecticidal soap for mites of all stages. Whenever using any kind of pesticide, be aware that it can damage the plant if the temperatures are in the 80s or above.
Fungal diseases from root rot, dry rot, and harsh weather conditions.
Signs of overwatering: Drooping, squishy texture (especially an the bottom of the cactus)
Signs of too little water: Shriveling, drying skin
Signs of too much sun: Burning, scarring
Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, discoloring.
Golden Torch Cactus Propagation
Golden Torch Cactus produces generous offsets from the main plant. If you'd like to transplant them or gift these to someone, you can cut them off using a blade.
They also produce small seeds, which you can collect once the fruit is ripe.
FAQ
How much does Golden Torch Cactus cost?
At our nursery, Golden Torch Cactus costs $15 for a 1-gallon container, $45 for a 5-gallon container, $120 for a 15-gallon container, and $350 for a 24” Box.
Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date information on pricing. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.
How tall does Golden Torch Cactus get?
Golden Torch Cactus grows to about 5 to 7 feet tall.
HOW FAST DOES Golden Torch GROW?
Golden Torch grows moderate to slow, usually just a few inches to less than a foot a year.
How often does the Golden Torch cactus bloom?
It depends on the location and care it receives, but in Palm Springs, usually once during late spring, and sometimes, again in autumn.
Summary
| SIZE (H X W) | 5-7 feet X 2-3 feet |
|---|---|
| FLOWER COLOR | White |
| FLOWER SEASON | Late Spring |
| EXPOSURE | Full Sun |
| WATER | Low |
| GROWTH RATE | Slow |
| HARDINESS | 25º F, USDA Zone 9 |
| PRUNING | None |