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Bolivian Torch Cactus Plant Care
Trichocereus bridgesii (Salm-Dyck) Britton & Rose
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Echinopsis lageniformis, synonyms including Echinopsis scopulicola and Trichocereus bridgesii, is a cactus native to Bolivia. It is known as the Bolivian torch cactus.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–90°F
10–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Bolivian Torch Cactus?
Water Bolivian Torch Cactus every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–90°F (10–32°C) and 10–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Bolivian Torch Cactus Native To?
What Is the Bolivian Torch Cactus?
Bolivian Torch Cactus (Trichocereus bridgesii) belongs to the Cactaceae family within the Trichocereus genus. Bolivian Torch Cactus is native to Bolivia. Bolivian Torch Cactus is also known as Bridges' Torch, Hedgehog Cactus.
Bolivian Torch Cactus displays a tall columnar cactus growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Bolivian Torch Cactus produces large, showy white flowers that bloom at night.
How Often Should You Water a Bolivian Torch Cactus?
Trichocereus bridgesii requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Bolivian Torch Cactus Need?
Bolivian Torch Cactus thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bolivian Torch Cactus Prefer?
Trichocereus bridgesii grows best at temperatures of 50–90°F. Bolivian Torch Cactus prefers humidity levels of 10–60%.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
10–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bolivian Torch Cactus?
Well-draining cactus mix with added pumice or perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Bolivian Torch Cactus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bolivian Torch Cactus?
Feed Bolivian Torch Cactus every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Bolivian Torch Cactus?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Bolivian Torch Cactus?
Bolivian Torch Cactus can be propagated through stem cuttings, offsets, seeds.
Is the Bolivian Torch Cactus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Bolivian Torch Cactus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Bolivian Torch Cactus?
Bolivian Torch Cactus is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Bolivian Torch Cactus Need?
Bolivian Torch Cactus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Bolivian Torch Cactus is native to Bolivia. In cooler regions, grow Bolivian Torch Cactus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Bolivian Torch Cactus is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Trichocereus genus — compare its care with other Trichocereus species on PlantoScan.
Trichocereus is part of the Cactaceae plant family — browse all Cactaceae genera and species.
Bolivian Torch Cactus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Trichocereus bridgesii (Salm-Dyck) Britton & Rose, family Cactaceae (first published in Cactaceae 2: 134. 1920.) — World Flora Online record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bolivian Torch Cactus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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