Golden Rat Tail

Frost Tolerance: Hardy in Phoenix to 28°F (-2°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

Cleistocactus winteri crest

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.

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).

Culture:
This cactus is sensitive to mealy bugs that find a lot of hiding ground among the spines.