Old lady cactus (Espostoa melanostele)

Old lady cactus

Also known as: Peruvian old lady

If you find the old lady cactus in bloom, consider yourself lucky because it is a rare treat to find one flowering. This cactus is native to Peru and is easily recognized by the thick coating of dense, white hairs that cover the plant’s trunk. It can grow to a large size in the wild, but it also does well and stays small when grown in a pot.

Scientific classification

Species

Old lady cactus (Espostoa melanostele)

Pinks, cacti, and allies

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Late spring, Early summer

Bloom Time

7 feet

Plant Height

2 m

Spread

White

Flower Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Care Guide for Old lady cactus

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Fertilize: During the growing seasons of spring, summer, and fall, fertilize old lady cactus monthly with liquid fertilizer, avoiding winter fertilization. Incorporate slow-release fertilizer during repotting. Use low-concentration nitrogen fertilizer for seedlings and phosphate-potassium fertilizer around blooming, halting fertilization if yellowing and slow growth occur.

Pruning: Old lady cactus requires minimal pruning. Focus on removing withered flowers and branches to help the plant dedicate nutrients towards healthier growth.

Propagation: Propagation methods for old lady cactus include division and grafting. Division involves cutting branch tips and planting them to encourage small shoots. Grafting requires selecting rootstock, cutting its tip, and placing old lady cactus in the center to fuse. The graft union typically takes 1-2 weeks to form.

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Learn More About Old lady cactus

How to Transplant

How to Grow and Care

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