Espostoa Lanata (Peruvian Old Man)

Espostoa lanata
Common Name: Peruvian Old Man Cactus

Espostoa lanata, affectionately known as the Peruvian Old Man, is a truly captivating columnar cactus native to the Andes of southern Ecuador and Peru. This species is instantly recognizable by its dense coat of long, white wool-like hairs that cover the entire plant—giving it a soft, shaggy appearance that resembles an elderly sage standing in the sun.

Beneath the fuzzy exterior are upright, ribbed stems armed with short spines, though they're mostly hidden by the white “beard.” With time and maturity, this cactus may form multiple columns and even develop a cephalium—a woolly flowering zone—where it can produce small, nocturnal flowers.

☀ Light Requirements
Loves bright light. Outdoors, provide full sun with good airflow to keep the wool clean and dry. Indoors, place near a bright window or under strong grow lights to maintain healthy growth and hair density.

💧 Watering Needs
Water thoroughly only when the soil has completely dried out. Like most Andean cacti, Espostoa prefers infrequent watering and excellent drainage. Reduce watering in cooler months.

🌡 Temperature Tolerance
Hardy to about 25–30°F in dry conditions. Protect from hard frost and excessive moisture. For winter orders or cold zones, we recommend adding a [Heat Pack].

✨ Special Features
• Iconic White Hair – Thick, shaggy coat offers sun protection and surreal charm
• Columnar Habit – Grows tall and narrow, making it perfect for vertical accents
• Rare Bloomer – Can produce flowers and fruit from a cephalium with age

Other Common Names:
Peruvian Old Man, Cotton Pole Cactus, Snow Column

This cactus will ship bare root and will be ready to place directly in a well draining soil mix like our Custom Cactus Mix.

Photos in the listings unless otherwise specified are representative of the plant that will be sent to you.
However, Plants grow differently and each plant may vary slightly in shape, size, growth pattern, etc.
Of course, if you receive a plant that you are dissatisfied with please reach out to us. We want to make it right!

If temperatures near you are below 45℉ we highly recommend adding a Heat Pack to your order.
If temperatures where you live will be much lower than 20℉ even heat packs may not work. You may consider waiting until things warm up a bit. We know you love your plants just like we do and we wouldn't want any of them to freeze.