Argentine giant cactus (Soehrensia candicans)
Care, watering, light and tips for Argentine giant cactus on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Cactaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 14 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 10–40 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Argentine giant cactus
Soehrensia candicans, also known as the 'Torch Cactus', is a fast-growing columnar cactus native to Argentina. It features blue-green stems with prominent ribs and stout spines, producing large, fragrant white flowers that open at night. It's an excellent choice for desert gardens, rockeries, or as a striking focal plant in large containers.
Native range
Argentina and Bolivia
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal growth and abundant flowering. Watering should be sparse, only when the substrate is completely dry, avoiding waterlogging, especially in winter. Use a very well-draining substrate, specific for cacti, with coarse sand and perlite. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot, so it's better to err on the dry side than the wet side.