The Bolivian Torch: A Guide To Growing This Rare Cactus

The Bolivian Torch, or Echinopsis lageniformis, is a fast-growing columnar cactus native to the high deserts of Bolivia. It is a lesser-known mescaline cactus that has been used by indigenous shamans for centuries, particularly in the region of La Paz. The Bolivian Torch cactus usually has 4-8 ribs and can reach a height of 2-5 metres. It is a hardy plant that is drought-tolerant and resistant to mould. It can be grown at home with relative ease, either from seed or cutting. When growing from seed, it is important to use a cactus potting mix that is well-aerated and has few nutrients. For cuttings, it is crucial to allow the base to dry completely before placing it in a dry rooting medium without watering for several weeks. The Bolivian Torch cactus requires abundant bright and direct light, and it should be placed less than one foot from a window. It also needs to be watered regularly, but care must be taken not to overwater as it is sensitive to wet soil.

Bolivian Torch cuttings should be placed in a pot with a punctured bottom, in a shallow tray of water

When growing the Bolivian Torch from a cutting, it is important to place the cutting in a pot with a punctured bottom, which is then placed in a shallow tray of water. This is because the Bolivian Torch is a desert plant and dislikes being overwatered. By placing the pot in a shallow tray of water, the cactus will absorb only what it needs, mimicking its natural environment. This method of watering is also known as bottom watering.

To set up bottom watering for your Bolivian Torch cutting, first, prepare a shallow tray and fill it with water. Next, take a pot with a punctured bottom and fill it with a dry rooting medium such as perlite. Place your cutting vertically into the dry rooting medium, ensuring that the base of the cutting is completely dry. Leave the cutting in the dry mixture for 4 to 6 weeks without watering.

After 4 weeks, check the cutting for roots. If roots have formed, it is time to repot your cutting. Carefully remove the cutting from the dry rooting medium and place it into a clean pot filled with cactus potting mix or cactus soil. Water your cutting and transfer it to a well-lit windowsill or your garden. If no roots have formed, place the cutting back into the dry rooting mix for another week or two.

Remember, when growing the Bolivian Torch, it is crucial to use a pot with a punctured bottom and bottom watering to prevent overwatering and ensure the cactus receives just enough moisture.

Bolivian Torch cuttings should be placed in a shady spot for the first four weeks

When growing a Bolivian Torch cactus from a cutting, it is important to place the cutting in a shady spot for the first four weeks. This is because the cutting will root more successfully if it is placed in an area with reduced light. Cuttings grown in shade root more quickly than those grown in full sun.

After taking a cutting, it is important to place it in a dry container and allow it to dry for two weeks at a temperature of 20–25°C. The base of the cutting should be completely dry before it is placed in the container. After two weeks, the cutting can be placed vertically into a dry rooting medium such as perlite. It should be left in the dry mixture for 4–6 weeks without being watered.

After four weeks, the cutting can be checked for roots. If there are no roots, it should be placed back into the rooting mix. If there are roots, it is time to repot the cutting. The cutting should be placed into a clean pot filled with cactus potting mix and watered. It can then be transferred to a garden or a well-lit windowsill.

The Bolivian Torch cactus thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. It requires abundant, bright, and direct light but does not tolerate low-light conditions. It is native to the high deserts of Bolivia and can be challenging to grow outside of these conditions.

Bolivian Torch requires a cactus potting mix—a blend of sand, soil, and peat moss

Growing Bolivian Torch Cacti

Bolivian Torch cacti, or Echinopsis lageniformis, are a species of fast-growing columnar cacti native to the high deserts of Bolivia. They can be grown at home with relative ease, either from seed or cutting.

If you're starting from seed, you'll need to use a cactus potting mix, which is a blend of sand, soil, and peat moss. This type of potting mix is designed to mimic the native environment of cacti, as they are accustomed to growing in dry, nutrient-poor soil with excellent drainage. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating the ideal cactus potting mix and using it to grow your Bolivian Torch cacti from seed:

Step 1: Prepare the Cactus Potting Mix

Cactus potting mix is a blend of mainly inorganic materials such as sand, soil, and peat moss. These materials provide superior drainage qualities to prevent waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot in cacti. You can purchase pre-made cactus potting mix or create your own by mixing three parts potting soil, three parts coarse sand or horticultural grit, two parts perlite or pumice, and an optional one part peat moss. It's important to use sterilized sand or grit and avoid potting mixes that contain fertilizers, as this can burn cactus roots.

Step 2: Prepare the Containers

For starting your Bolivian Torch cacti from seed, you'll need small, shallow pots. Clean the pots thoroughly before filling them with moistened cactus potting mix.

Step 3: Plant the Seeds

Sow several seeds in each pot to maximize the germination rate. Place the seeds on the surface of the potting mix, spacing them about 3 cm apart, and gently press them into the mix. Cover each pot with a thin layer of perlite and mist with water. Then, cover each pot with a layer of plastic film to trap moisture.

Step 4: Provide Optimal Conditions for Germination

Maintain a temperature of 23°C and expose your pots to 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. Water your seeds sparingly, only when the pots dry out. When watering, fill a shallow tray with water and place the pots inside for 20 minutes, allowing the water to absorb from the bottom. Continue this care routine, and your seeds will germinate within one month.

Step 5: Thin and Transplant the Seedlings

Once your seeds have germinated, thin the seedlings down to one per pot. Slowly remove the plastic film over the course of a week to avoid shocking your young cacti. As your cacti grow, transplant them into larger containers and move them into a garden or outdoor space. Start them off in light shade and gradually move them to an exposed area.

By following these steps and using the recommended cactus potting mix, you'll be well on your way to successfully growing healthy Bolivian Torch cacti from seed. Remember, cacti are adapted to dry, nutrient-poor environments, so always err on the side of less water and fewer nutrients when in doubt.

Bolivian Torch requires abundant, bright and direct light

The Bolivian Torch cactus, or Echinopsis lageniformis, is a fast-growing columnar cactus native to South America. It thrives in dry, sunny conditions and requires abundant, bright, and direct light to grow effectively.

To ensure your Bolivian Torch cactus receives sufficient light, place it close to a window that receives ample sunlight. Ideally, this window should face south, as this direction provides the most sunlight throughout the day. Aim to place your cactus within one foot of the window to maximise light exposure. If you do not have a south-facing window, an east or west-facing window can also work, although your cactus may not receive as much sunlight.

In addition to natural light, you can supplement your cactus's light exposure with artificial lighting. Fluorescent lights, such as T5 or T8 tubes, can provide adequate illumination for cacti. For a small number of plants, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) may be sufficient. However, for a more intense light source, consider using metal halide or high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps. These can be more efficient and provide higher light intensity over a larger area.

Remember, the Bolivian Torch cactus is adapted to arid conditions and can withstand significant sunlight. While it requires abundant light, it is important not to overexpose your cactus to more than 14 hours of light per day. Additionally, protect your cactus from concentrated sun rays during the hottest parts of the day to prevent sunburn.

By providing your Bolivian Torch cactus with the right amount of bright and direct light, you will create an optimal environment for its growth and development.

Bolivian Torch is drought-tolerant and resistant to mould

The Bolivian Torch cactus is native to the high deserts of Bolivia, where it grows in arid, desert-like regions. As such, it is a drought-tolerant plant that doesn't require frequent watering. In fact, it is best to wait until the soil is completely dry before watering it again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause fungal infections and other diseases.

The Bolivian Torch cactus is also resistant to mould when it receives the proper amount of water from time to time. It is important to note that the cactus should not be left soaking in still water, especially during the hotter summer months. The soil around the plant should not become waterlogged, as this can cause the roots to rot and die.

To prevent mould and ensure the health of your Bolivian Torch cactus, make sure the soil drains well and refrain from overwatering.

Frequently asked questions