How to Care for a Silver Torch Cactus

Water abundantly. Other than a brief dry patch necessary during winter months, water your Silver Torch Cactus generously the remainder of the year, particularly in the hot summer months. Winter watering can lead to root rot.

Fertilize regularly with a diluted fertilizer low in nitrogen. Apply every two weeks toward the end of spring and throughout the summer months.

Expose to sunlight. The Silver Torch Cactus responds to full sun, as well as light shade. Keep your cactus should in temperatures 45 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Although the Silver Torch can tolerate colder weather for brief periods, tips are susceptible to damage when temperatures drop below 23 degrees.

Inspect for mealybugs. Check your Silver Torch Cactus for these pests that have a gray and white scaly appearance and secrete a powder and wax-like mealy substance. You can pick them off or spray off with warm water if there are not many on your Silver Torch Cactus. Place moth balls in your potting mix to keep mealybugs away. If infestation is severe, treat with an insecticide containing malathion or a organophosphorus compound.