The Golden torch cactus, also known as the Trichocereus spachianus, stands tall and is beautiful all year round. Its golden spines differentiate it from any other plant, while its flower catches everyone’s attention when it blooms.
This plant decorates itself with spines that also protect it from predators. If you wish to be a wizard in parenting this plant, this guide is there for you.
What Is a Golden Torch Cactus?
The Golden Torch Cactus is a cylindrical plant that has 10 to15 ribs and is covered with golden spines that are approximately 0.6 inch (1.5 cm) long. It belongs to the Echinopsis cactus genus. This plant was originally found in Argentina and Bolivia.
Golden Torch Cactus Care
Caring for the Golden torch cactus can be very simple if you give the plant what it needs. If you neglect its growth requirements, the golden torch cactus flower can be in jeopardy as it won’t give you its great appearance and a perfume scent. If you follow these care tips that we present here well, your journey to successfully growing the Golden cactus will be easy.
– Water Requirements
The Golden torch cactus requires frequent watering during its growing season. It should be watered deeply in spring and summer for it to grow vigorously.
The soak and dry method are one of the best methods to use when watering your plant. This is because this watering strategy prevents the accumulation of an excessive amount of water, which could in turn cause plant diseases such as root rot.
The Golden torch cactus doesn’t require much water in the winter season as it can go for up to four weeks without getting a drink. The plant develops long tap roots that draw water from the underground.
It can survive well in moisture-stress areas but if you want its stunning flowers, you have to water your plant. You can use a moisture meter to check the moisture needs of your plant’s soil to avoid overwatering.
The unavailability of leaves and the waxy layer which covers the skin of the cactus, enables this gorgeous plant to store water, due to reduced transpiration. If you are in an environment where there is a water shortage and you want your home to look good, the golden torch cactus can still do well in your area.
– Light Requirements
Sunlight is required by every plant to photosynthesize. The Golden torch cactus requires about five hours of sunlight before flowering. Avoid placing your plant under direct sunlight to avoid scorching it.
If your plant is indoors, make an effort to place it close to a window that provides enough light, preferably on a window sill. It doesn’t have to stay all day on the sill. Remember, you should avoid excessive exposure to sunlight as it reduces flowering.
Consider getting LED lights If you are in an environment with no or little sunlight. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid burning your plant or delaying flowering.
– Soil Requirements
The Golden torch cactus requires well-drained soils that don’t hold water for longer periods. You should mix your soil with crushed stone to provide a good drainage system for the plant. The soil won’t hold so much water, thereby making it more favorable for the plant.
Sandy soils are the most preferred soils, as they have larger particles which ease the flow of water. So, consider adding sand to your potting mix. You can also use containers with drainage holes to avoid high moisture retention levels. Doing this can prevent the rotting of your plant’s roots.
– Temperature Requirements
The Golden torch cactus prefers tropical to temperate climates. It can survive maximum temperatures of around 71 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 14 degrees Fahrenheit (21.7 and -10 degrees Celsius). You can grow your plant indoors as it can survive home temperatures.
If the temperature goes above 71 Fahrenheit (21.7 degrees Celsius), the plant will stop growing and water reserves will slowly deplete.
– Humidity Requirements
The Golden torch cactus doesn’t necessarily need humidity adjustment. It can do well under high or low humidity levels. This means that the plant can grow well under home humidity levels. The relative humidity for the Golden torch cactus usually ranges around 60 percent.
– Fertilizing Requirements
Feeding your plant is necessary as it gives you the best color, as well as mesmerizing flowers and fruit. The Golden torch cactus fruit develops well when the plant is receiving good nutrients. Therefore, adding fertilizers can make this more of a possibility.
Use fertilizers from your local garden shop. Make sure the soil is a little moist before you add fertilizers to your plant. The plant goes dormant during winter when its growth is relatively slow during this time. Therefore, there is no need to fertilize in winter. However, be sure to fertilize every month in summer.
– Humidity Requirements
Your cactus will prefer a drier environment, as most cacti do. Never mist or otherwise wet the plant as that can be a breeding ground for fungi.
– Pruning
The Golden torch cereus has a slow growth of 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) per year, so there is no need to prune much. Elongated stems that may trail on the ground are the ones that may require pruning.
When the plant gets softer and it develops black sections, you should prune the damaged parts to keep the cactus healthy. If your plant grows too big than what you want, you can prune it. Pruning is necessary to manage the plant size and avoid overcrowding, which can be unhealthy plants or your plants.
Some pests are so tough and chemical resistant that the only way to get rid of them is through pruning all the affected parts. Make sure you prune all the parts of the affected plant to prevent any possible re-infestation that could result from missed diseased parts.
Propagation
The Golden torch cactus propagation is successfully carried out through seeds or stem cuttings.
However, seeds have the drawbacks of sometimes failing to germinate.
– Using cuttings
Get a 3.9 to 7.9 inches (20 to 30 centimeters) piece from the top of the plant. Expose one end of the cutting to sunlight and cover the remaining from sunburn. The Golden torch cactus cutting should be left for about two days, and then store it until surface callous begins to appear.
Look for a well-draining pot and add a dry mix of soil. Put the cutting 3 to 5 inches into the soil. If the water is moist enough, do not water it. Roots will start to develop in a few months and the moment you observe them coming out, you can move your plant it to a spot with sunlight.
– Using Seeds
You can either buy the seeds or use the ones from already existing pods. If you are buying, it’s easy to get them from the nearby shops. If you are getting them on your own, gather the pods first and remove the mature ones before they dry out.
Moisten your suitable soil first, which can be a mixture of ⅓ compost, ⅓ sand, and ⅓ perlite. Spread the seeds on top and cover them with a very thin layer of sand. The seed only has little energy to germinate so it won’t reach the surface if you add a huge layer of soil on top of them.
Cover your container and expose it to the sun. It may take weeks or months to germinate, after which you should try and maintain a normal temperature of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 23.8 degrees Celsius).
Problems
The Golden torch cactus doesn’t have too many problems associated with its care and growth because it’s naturally strong.
It can be affected by rot through overwatering and burns that are caused by exposure to sunlight.
– Root Rot
It affects the roots of your plant. This usually happens to potted plants like our Golden torch cactus, when there is the high moisture content in the soil, which encourages fungal growth. If the root gets attacked by this fungi, the plant will appear swollen, and brownish, and will eventually begin to decay.
To avoid this, you should always avoid overwatering your plant. It is better to underwater than to give it more than it needs. You also need to make sure that you use the proper soil mix that is well-drained. To add on, make sure you use a container with drainage holes to allow water to go out quickly.
– Toxicity
The Golden torch cactus is a moderately toxic plant. It develops sharp spines that could be harmful to pets or children. Eating this plant can upset the stomach and probably cause a sore mouth. It also causes nausea, which may lead to vomiting.
– Red Spider Mites
It’s rare for the plant to get affected by red spider mites. You always need to keep a close watch on your plant as these pests can spread quickly. The red spider mites can cause your plant to start looking unhealthy and a little dusty. If you suspect that your plant is being affected by red spider mites, look for a magnifier as it is difficult to see them with the naked eye.
You can make use of the isopropyl alcohol to get rid of the spider mites and it won’t have any adverse effects on your plant.
Conclusion
You have learned the comprehensive care tips for parenting your Golden torch cactus.
Before you go, let’s recap the main ideas again.
- The Golden torch cactus doesn’t need overwatering as it can develop root rot.
- The plant can do well in temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius).
- The Golden torch cactus needs to be fertilized every month in summer, not in winter when dormant.
- Make sure to prune all the dead or diseased plant parts.
- The plant can be propagated using cuttings or seeds
With this guide, your journey to parenting the Golden torch cactus becomes easy. You can always refer to this guide if you forget some important facts. Get your plant today and decorate your home with such a stunning plant that provides beautiful flowers and healthy fruit!
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