Echinopsis spachiana

RHS Plant Profile
golden column

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Other common names

golden column, golden torch, torch cactus, torch cactus, white torch cactus

Synonyms

Cereus spachianus, Trichocereus spachianus

Cactus Succulent

A multi-stemmed, shrubby cactus, up to around 2m high. Cylindrical, ribbed dark green stems are produced from the base, with yellow areoles fading to grey, and clusters of yellow-brown spines. Large, nocturnal white flowers are produced in midsummer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H2
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cactaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Echinopsis can have spherical or cylindrical, heavily ribbed and spiny stems, with funnel-shaped flowers in spring or summer
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Bolivia to Argentina

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a free draining cactus mix in full light, water freely while in growth and keep dry in winter. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 21°C (70°F) in spring, or by division, removing offsets in spring or summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free