Cleistocactus candelilla is a cactus that creates a thicket of erect to spreading stems, making it an excellent choice for landscaping. This species is notable for its tubular, red-violet flowers. It was first described in 1952 by Martín Cárdenas🡕 in the Cactus and Succulent Journal🡕, published by the Cactus and Succulent Society of America.
Taxonomy of Cleistocactus candelilla
Scientific Name
Cleistocactus candelilla Cárdenas
Synonym(s)
Echinopsis candelilla
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Cleistocactus
Etymology
The generic name "Cleistocactus" (pronounced "Kly-stoh-KAK-tus") means "closed cactus" and refers to the narrow, tubular flowers that remain nearly closed, with only a small opening at their tips.
The specific epithet "candelilla" (pronounced "kan-duh-LEE-luh") means "little candle" and refers to the plant's small, colorful, tubular flowers.
Origin of Cleistocactus candelilla
Cleistocactus candelilla is native to Bolivia, specifically in the departments of Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, and Potosí. It grows mainly in desert or dry scrub biomes at elevations ranging from 4,265 to 8,530 feet (1,300 to 2,600 m).
Description of Cleistocactus candelilla
Cleistocactus candelilla is a shrubby cactus with slender, green, cylindrical stems that have 11 to 13 conspicuously furrowed ribs. It can grow up to 3.3 feet (1 m) and branches from the base. The stems are either erect or sprawling, with a diameter up to 2 inches (5 cm). The areoles, which are spaced about 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) apart, have brown felt. Each areole has 3 to 4 central spines that are slightly flattened and can reach up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, along with 13 to 15 shorter radial spines that reach up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) long. The upper part of the spines is yellowish-brown, while the lower part is whitish.
In late spring and summer, Cleistocactus candelilla produces striking red-violet flowers, which may have yellow tips. The flowers, which are covered with a few scales and inconspicuous hairs, are straight or slightly curved and can measure up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long. They typically appear from near the top of the stems. The fruits are spherical, light salmon-red, and have a few short, white hairs arising from the scales. They can grow up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter and contain glossy black seeds.
How to Grow and Care for Cleistocactus candelilla
Light: Cleistocactus candelilla thrives in bright light and tolerates several hours of direct sunlight, particularly in the morning or late afternoon. To prevent sunburn, protect it from intense midday and afternoon sunlight during hot summer months. If grown indoors, place the cactus near a bright, sunny window and rotate the pot occasionally to promote even growth. If possible, move the plant outdoors during the warmer months, gradually acclimating it to increased sunlight.
Soil: This cactus grows best in loose, well-draining soil that lets excess water drain quickly. You can use a commercial cactus soil mix or create your own.
Temperature: Cleistocactus candelilla enjoys warm temperatures during its active growing season and cooler, drier conditions in winter. It is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b-11b, which have average annual extreme minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25°F to 50°F (-3.9°C to 10°C).
Watering: Water thoroughly from spring through early fall, letting the soil dry out completely between waterings. As temperatures decrease and growth slows, gradually reduce watering. During winter dormancy, keep the plant mostly dry, especially if it's in cooler conditions. If overwintered in a warm environment, it may need occasional light watering to prevent excessive shriveling. Avoid waterlogging, as prolonged moisture can cause root rot.
Fertilizing: Cleistocactus candelilla has relatively low fertilizer requirements. During the active growing season, apply a diluted cactus fertilizer, preferably low in nitrogen and relatively high in potassium, once every four to six weeks if needed. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can encourage weak growth. Stop fertilizing during winter dormancy.
Repotting: Repot Cleistocactus candelilla every two to three years, or when it outgrows its container or the potting mix deteriorates. Spring is generally the best time for repotting. Choose a pot with drainage holes, handle the trailing stems carefully to avoid damage, and allow any injured roots to heal before watering.
Propagation: Cleistocactus candelilla is easy to propagate from stem cuttings. You can also propagate it from seeds. Spring and summer are the best seasons for both methods. To propagate from cuttings, remove a healthy stem section and allow the cut end to dry and form a callus for several days before planting it in a well-draining cactus mix. Keep the substrate only slightly moist until roots develop. For seed propagation, sow seeds on the surface of a suitable seed-starting mix and keep temperatures warm, light indirect, and moisture consistent until germination.
Learn more in "How to Grow and Care for Cleistocactus."
Toxicity of Cleistocactus candelilla
Cleistocactus candelilla is considered non-toxic to humans and pets, but keep it out of reach of pets and children because of its sharp spines.
Photo Gallery
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Internal Links
- Explore all plants within the genus Cleistocactus.
- Explore all plants within the family Cactaceae.
References
- Cactus and Succulent Society of America (1952). Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 24, p. 146.
- Cleistocactus candelilla Cárdenas🡕. Plants of the World Online. Kew Science. Retrieved January 17, 2026.
- Cleistocactus candelilla🡕. iNaturalist. Retrieved January 17, 2026.