A slender columnar cactus from the Andes of Bolivia and Argentina, covered in fine white spines that give it a soft, silvery glow. Mature stems carry red tubular flowers that stick out sideways and draw hummingbirds. It brings a cool, pale texture to a cactus garden, but it prefers a little relief from the Phoenix afternoon sun.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the cactus guidance in our Landscape Care guide, which means hand-watering only when needed. Let the soil dry completely between waterings during the warm months, and give little or no water in winter. Overwatering is the most common cause of root rot.
Pruning
None needed. Broken stems can be cut off, allowed to callus and replanted.
Heat and sunburn
It handles winter cold better than summer heat. In full western sun it is prone to sunscald, so an east-facing spot or filtered afternoon shade suits it best here.
Pests
Outdoors it is rarely troubled. Mealybugs can turn up on plants kept in sheltered or indoor spots.
How our designers use it
Vertical accent
A cluster of silver columns gives height and a pale contrast to green and blue succulents.
Patio containers
It is well suited to large pots in a bright, east-facing spot where its texture can be seen up close.
Under a light canopy
Our designers like it beneath the filtered shade of a palo verde, which takes the edge off the afternoon sun.
Good to know
Around the pool
The white spines look soft but are bristly. Keep it a step back from pool edges and paths, and avoid hot, reflective decking that faces west.
Sun exposure
Its card badge says full sun, but in the Phoenix Valley it does best with afternoon protection. Full west sun can scorch the stems.
