Weberbauerocereus winterianus
Family: Cactaceae
Synonyms: Weberbauerocereus johnsonii, Haageocereus winterianus
Common Names: Golden torch cactus
Geographic Origin: The Weberbauerocereus genus is native to rocky reliefs on the north-facing slopes of high valleys, occupying Bolivia and Peru at elevations of 540-3500 m. Specifically, W. winterianus originates from the Department of Cajamarca, Peru.
Description: The golden torch cactus is a narrow, columnar cactus that reaches about 12 – 18 feet in height, scarcely exceeding 7 – 9 inches in diameter. Older branches will develop on mature plants taller than 6 feet, although plants will occasionally remain solitary. The stems are covered in a dense mat of golden hairs, as well as numerous dark golden central and radial spines. Showy, tubular white flowers will bloom during the night, but remain open the next morning, being followed by small, orange to greenish, hairy fruits with white pulp.
Interesting Features:
  • There is consistent confusion about the naming of W. winterianus, with some botanists utilizing the names W. johnsonii or Haageocereus winterianus. However, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), classifies the official accepted name as Weberbauerocereus winterianus.
  • Uses: W. winterianus is rare in cultivation, but is valued for its ethereal golden appearance, and the species is held in high regard by collectors.
 
Cultivation and Care:
     - Watering: Low
  • Water moderately in summer, but reduce or cease irrigation in winter.
  • As with all cacti, it is recommended to allow the soil to fully dry in between waterings, and irrigate until water runs through the drainage hole.
     - Soil Type: Provide a semi-rich, well-draining cactus or succulent soil. Regular potting soil can be supplemented with perlite, granite, sand, crushed pebbles, or gravel to improve drainage.
     - Lighting: Site W. winterianus in full sunlight, but protect from overly hot days.
  • Plants must be gradually introduced to direct light to avoid sunburn.
     - Propagation: The golden torch cactus can be propagated from woody stem or softwood cuttings, or through seed. Plant seed directly after the last frost, or in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouses during the winter season.
     - Cold tolerance: 35-40°F, USDA hardiness zones 10b-11
     - Special Accommodations: W. winterianus is slow growing, and may take a long time to establish. Mature plants will tolerate temperatures down to 25°F, but only for short periods. Lastly, always wear heavy gloves when handling and do not site near walkways, to avoid damage by the sharp spines.
​Sources:
  1. Dave’s Garden
  2. Matt’s Landscape
  3. Cactus Jungle
  4. Media Huntington
  5. The Last Cactus Classification
  6. Integrated Taxonomic Information System
  7. Desert Tropicals