Glass-Spined Silver Torch

Glass-Spined Silver Torch (*Cleistocactus hyalacanthus*) is an upright, shrubby cactus native to Bolivia and northwestern Argentina. Kew accepts this succulent species and lists *Cleistocactus jujuyensis* among its synonyms. Specialist listings use both Silver Torch and the more distinctive Glass-Spined Silver Torch for this species ([Kew taxonomy](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:131022-1), [Cactus Jungle profile](https://cactusjungle.com/plants/cleistocactus-hyalacanthus/), [Kambarang listing](https://www.kambagc.com.au/collections/all-plants?page=9)). ## Seasonal Interest The stems can bear tubular red flowers. Their columnar form and pale, glass-like spines give the plant strong structural interest between flowering periods. ## Growing Conditions Cactus Jungle categorizes the species for full sun, low water, and a very free-draining succulent mix. Acclimate nursery-grown plants gradually to stronger sun. Water sparingly and allow the potting mix to dry between waterings; avoid a fixed schedule because exposure, container size, and season change how quickly the mix dries. The same profile describes mature erect stems reaching about 6–8 feet, while actual growth varies with growing conditions. ## Maintenance Use a stable, well-drained container or a warm, sharply drained garden site. Protect the plant from temperatures colder than the roughly 20°F minimum reported by the specialist profile, and handle it carefully when repotting.