Old man cactus (Pilosocereus leucocephalus)

Old man cactus

The fuzzy and friendly growth habit of the old man cactus (Pilosocereus leucocephalus) makes it a memorable plant to encounter. Silky strands of fibers entangle themselves in sharp spines that cover the bluish barrel in vertical rows. Showy pink flowers are only secondary, ornamentally, to this bearded beauty of a cactus!

Scientific classification

Species

Old man cactus (Pilosocereus leucocephalus)

Pinks, cacti, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

1 m

Spread

8 cm

Flower Size

Yellow, Pink, Orange

Flower Color

Green, Gray, Silver

Stem Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Old man cactus

Distribution of Old man cactus

Distribution Map

Old man cactus is a cactus native to Central America, where it thrives in semi-arid regions. It is also cultivated beyond its natural range due to its ornamental value. This species has adapted to various environments across continents, finding particular favor in arid and semi-arid areas similar to its native habitat.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Deciduous forest, xerophyllous scrub, submontane forest

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Care Guide for Old man cactus

Once per month

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Succulent & Cactus Soil

Soil Type

Water: Old man cactus is highly drought-tolerant, adapted to arid climates. Watering once every four weeks suffices, and it thrives in well-draining sandy soil to prevent root rot. This plant flourishes outdoors in warm regions with minimal moisture requirements.

Fertilize: Fertilize old man cactus with balanced, water-soluble succulent food every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Suspend feeding in winter. Water soil before fertilization to protect roots, and avoid over-fertilizing to ensure healthy growth and stress resilience.

Pruning: Old man cactus requires minimal pruning. It's advisable to remove withered flowers and branches to optimize nutrient use for healthy growth.

Propagation: Old man cactus is a unique cactus from arid regions, with hairy spines. Utilize cuttings for propagation, ensuring a clean cut and allowing callousing before planting in well-draining mix. Maintain optimal humidity and temperature, avoiding overwatering, for healthy root development and growth.

Repotting: Repot old man cactus every 2-3 years in spring to early summer, using a deep pot one size larger with a well-draining cactus mix. After repotting, water sparingly and ensure bright light to promote recovery and prevent rot.

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