Espostoa Lanata (Peruvian Old Man)
Espostoa Lanata (Peruvian Old Man)
Espostoa lanata (a.k.a. Peruvian Old Man Cactus) is a slow growing tree shaped cactus branching at the top with age, 1,5 to 7 m tall. Like Cephalocereus senilis (the Old Man of Mexico) it is a densely hairy species, covered by a warm woolly coat and well adapted to high altitudes, the main difference is the presence of sharp spines on Espostoa. It is wide spread in in habitat and quite variable in size and spines for this reason it has received several names.
The flowers arises from a lateral pseudocephalium up to 1 m long, 4-5 ribs wide, with brown or grey spines and wool contrasting with the snow-white spines on the rest of the body. The flowers are nocturnal, funnelform, nearly hidden by the wool, up to 5,5 cm long and 3,5 cm in diameter, white to purple. Small scales on the ovary and flowers tube, have long silky, caducous, hairs.
LIGHT: Med to Full sun
WATER: Make sure it's dry in between waterings
NATIVE: Andes Mountains
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.