Cleistocactus strausii
As a houseplant, the Silver Torch cactus is an easy to take care of so long as over-watering is avoided. To naturally simulate the porous effects of the sand in its native habitat, it's important to ensure that excess water will not pool in the soil, causing the roots to become water logged.
This plant’s native habitat does not have winter, but when temperatures drop to the low twenties, it can exhibit signs of tip frost. 
The Silver Torch cactus is most susceptible to 
mealybugs 
and spider mite.
Cactus
Semi-desert cacti need careful watering. General advice is hard to give, since the frequency of watering required depends on where the cacti are being grown, the nature of the growing medium, and the original habitat of the cacti. Brown says that more cacti are lost through the "untimely application of water than for any other reason" and that even during the dormant winter season, cacti need some water. Other sources say that water can be withheld during winter (November to March in the Northern Hemisphere). Another issue is the hardness of the water; where it is necessary to use hard water, regular re-potting is recommended to avoid the build up of salts. The general advice given is that during the growing season, cacti should be allowed to dry out between thorough waterings. A water meter can help in determining when the soil is dry.