Habitat: South America, particularly in mountainous regions of Bolivia.
Description: a genus of columnar cacti, some reaching 2 metres (6.5 ft) in height. The red or yellow flowers are tubular with long protruding stamens .
Soil: basic mix.
Location: provide plenty of sunlight in the summer.
Temperature: minimum temperature of 6°C (43°F).
Water: average.
Cultivation tips: they enjoy being sprayed with water during the summer. It makes a good rootstock for grafting.
Main species of Cleistocactus: Cleistocactus strausii, white-spined, columnar stem branching from the base once adult; provide filtered light, plenty of water in the summer but little in the winter. Overwinter in a conservatory with a minimum of 5°C (41°F).
Cleistocactus baumanii, orange-flowered with yellowish hair and spines;
Cleistocactus winteri, golden yellow spines on slender stems that flower from May to June; green fruits follow;
Cleistocactus aureispinus, sin. Hildewintera a., Winteria a., Winterocereus a., Loxanthocereus a.;
Cleistocactus brookeae; Cleistocactus jujuyensis, fast-growing, min. 8°C (46°F); Cleistocactus parviflorus; Cleistocactus ritteri.