Golden Rat Tail
Synonym: Hildewintera aureispina, Loxanthocereus aureispinus, Winterocereus aureispinus, Borzicactus aureispinus, Winteria aureispina, Cleistocactus aureispinus
Family: Cactaceae
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Recommended Temperature Zone: USDA: 9b-11 Frost Tolerance: Hardy in Phoenix to 28°F (-2°C) Minimum Avg. Temperature: 50°F (10°C) Heat Tolerance: Light shade in Phoenix in summer Sun Exposure: Light shade to full sun Origin: Argentina to Uruguay Growth Habits: Columnar cactus forming masses of columns, up to 3 feet tall (90 cm), stems 2.5 inches in diameter (6 cm); 16 to 17 ribs; spines 50, 0.16 to 0.4 inch long (0.4 to 1 cm); Watering Needs: Regular water in summer, keep rather dry in winter Propagation: Seeds, cuttings |
The Golden Rat Tail cactus is often encountered under a variety of botanical names. It has very attractive golden spines and grow rapidly. If it likes its growing conditions you will also be rewarded by the pink flowers that come in abundance.
Cultural Practices:
This cactus is sensitive to mealy bugs that find a lot of hiding ground among the spines.
Blooming Habits:
The Cleistocactus winteri has salmon-pink flowers in spring and summer, 1.6 to 2.4 inches (4 to 6 cm) in length, 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Mature plants bloom repetitively. The flowers are followed by green fruit, 0.4 inches long (1 cm).
Fruiting Habits:
Check for Field Collection numbers at Ralph Martin's Site
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