Peruvian old man cactus
Also known as: cotton ball
A columnar cactus with 20- to 30-ribbed stems, densely clothed in a white wool. In its native Peru it may reach 6m tall, but will only attain a fraction of that when grown as a pot plant
Scientific classification
- Species
- Peruvian old man cactus (Espostoa lanata)
- Genus
- Espostoa
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Information to be completed
- Toxicity
- Cactus Succulent
- Plant type
- 0.5-1 metres
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- Evergreen
- Foliage
- Columnar upright
- Habit
- Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
- Season of interest
- Full sun
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Peruvian old man cactus pictures
Distribution of Peruvian old man cactus
Distribution map
S. Ecuador, Peru
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Culture
Information to be completed
Toxicity
Information to be completed
Quick identification of Peruvian old man cactus
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Peruvian old man cactus care guide
- Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
- Watering
- Full sun
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Watering
Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Fertilizing
FertilizingBalanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer
Pruning
PruningNo pruning required
Propagation
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed at 21°C in spring
Growing
GrowingGrow in cactus compost in a sunny position. Water moderately during the growing season and keep almost dry in winter. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
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Common pests and diseases
Diseases
May be susceptible to root and stem rots if overwatered
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs
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