Cactus Hildewintera Aureispina - Golden Rat Tail 14cm

🌵 Cleistocactus (Hildewintera) aureispina Care Guide

The Hildewintera aureispina is a dazzling cactus known for its golden-yellow spines, soft fuzzy glow, and long, elegant stems that eventually trail or arch beautifully. Hardy, eye-catching, and perfect for bright spaces, it’s a brilliant pick for cactus lovers who want colour and character.

☀️ Light

• Thrives in full sun to bright light

• Can handle strong direct sunlight

• Indoors: place in the brightest window, preferably south or west

• Too little light = thin, stretched growth

💧 Water

• Water sparingly

• Let soil dry out completely between waterings

• Summer: every 10–14 days, depending on heat

• Winter: every 3–4 weeks or less

• Always use a fast-draining cactus mix

• Mushy stems = overwatering

• Shrivelling = needs a drink

🌫️ Humidity

• Prefers dry air

• Avoid misting — promotes rot

🌡️ Temperature

• Ideal range: 20–32°C

• Tolerates heat extremely well

• Cold-sensitive — keep above 10°C

• Protect from frost at all costs

🍽️ Feeding

• Fertilize every 6–8 weeks in spring & summer

• Use a cactus fertilizer or low-nitrogen feed

• Do not fertilize in winter

🌱 Growth Tips

• Stems may grow long and arch — perfect for hanging pots or raised planters

• Golden spines appear brightest with lots of sun

• Repot only when necessary; roots prefer being snug

• Pet-safe? No — spines are sharp!

💡 Big Plant Lad Wisdom

The Hildewintera aureispina is sunny, golden, and full of personality — a glowing cactus with soft, fuzzy spines that bring warmth and sparkle to any bright window. Tough, sculptural, and wonderfully low-maintenance. 🌵✨💛