Old-Man Cactus
Cephalocereus senilis (CACTACEAE)
Planting and Growing Old-Man Cactus
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow old-man cactus in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers and fruit of old-man cactus
- Growing conditions for old-man cactus
- When and where to plant old-man cactus
- How to plant old-man cactus
- How to shape, prune and control growth of old-man cactus
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of old-man cactus
- Landscape uses of old-man cactus
- Pest and disease control for old-man cactus
Growing Old-Man Cactus
Several cultivars of slow-growing, long-lived, erect, columnar, ribbed cacti, sometimes to 50 ft. (15 m) tall but seldom more than 15 ft. (4.5 m) tall in landscape use, armed with yellow spines, to 2 in. (50 mm) long, clothed in woolly, gray, hairlike bristles, to 1 ft. (30 cm) long.
Old-Man Cactus Planting and Care Guide
Flowers and Fruit
Showy, rose pink, tubular, flared flowers, to 2 in. (50 mm) long, opening at night, in spring on mature plants, form pear-shaped, rose-red fruit in summer.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 8–9. Semi-hardy. Best in arid desert climates.
Soil Type and Fertility
Damp to dry, well-drained, sandy soil. Fertility: Average–low. 6.5–8.0 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Full to filtered sun. Space 4–5 ft. (1.2–1.5 m) apart.
Proper Care
Easy. Withhold all water until ribs become prominent, then water deeply. Drought tolerant. Fertilize annually in autumn. Protect from frost. Propagate by offsets, seed.
About This Species
Good choice for accents, borders, containers in arid gardens. Pest and disease resistant.
Warning:
Spines can be hazardous; avoid planting in areas frequented by pets and children.