Despite columnar cacti are dominant plants in their natural vegetation, hardly any cactus collectors has interest in them compared to other members of the cactus family (Cactaceae). Among columnar cacti, the members of the genus Cleistocactus are more widely cultivated because they are relatively easier to flower. Cleistocactus laniceps lives in the Andeans, in Ayopaya, Cochabamba County, Bolivia, in mountainous vegetation, 2100-2300 m asl. It is a bushy taxon, with a maximum height of 4 m. Stems are upright, branching from the bottom, 5 cm in diameter. As for other members of its genus, the flowers are tubular, 3,5 cm in length, but the tepals open broader. It is known under 11 different field numbers. Despite of its easy cultivation, it is rarely seen in collections. Individuals of 30-40 cm height are still able to flower. It likes the full sun. For the soil, it has no special requirements. This species can be overwintered at 5-10 °C. The propagation is the easiest by cutting. Germination is not difficult, indeed, the taxon is self-incompatible, thus more individuals are needed to set our plant seeds.
