Cleistocactus candelilla

In its homeland, around Cochabamba in Bolivia, it forms an undergrowth of at first erect, later prostrate stems, up to 2 m long. the stems have light to brownish, later greyish spines. The tubular flowers are red with white margins.

Cleistocactus grossei

Is a coarsely spined species from the boundary zone of Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. It flowers profusely while still small, producing orange-red, relatively wide open flowers. C. baumannii, C. colubrinus and C. flavispinus are related species. All are cultivated in greenhouse where, if planted outside in pots, they rapidly mature into profusely flowering decorative plants. Later they can be shaped by pruning the older branches. They tolerate winter temperatures about 10°C. They are not too particular as regards soil.