Cleistocactus strausii
The cactus prefers free draining soils, strong sunlight, but not high temperatures — in fact it can withstand hard frosts down to -10 °C. In its natural habitat it receives plenty of water during the summer, but almost none over the winter. In cultivation, watering too much in winter often leads to root rot.
Pilosocereus robinii
Other threats to the species include the destruction of its habitat during development. Populations on the Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys have been mostly eliminated due to residential development. Development also leads to habitat fragmentation. Hurricanes are a threat to the cactus because the winds can break cactus branches or bring down taller vegetation, causing injury; however, hurricane action may open the canopy, providing sunlight to the cactus, which may be beneficial. As of 2009 there are seven known populations of this plant in Florida, located on four of the Florida Keys.