Cephalocereus senilis | Old man cactus of Hidalgo
€106,00
🌱 Morphology
Columnar cactus, generally solitary, although it can branch from the base, with very slow growth. In the wild, it can exceed 10 m in height and reach about 30 cm in diameter. It features 20–30 low ribs and numerous very close-set areoles, from which emerge 20–30 flexible white or grayish bristles, 6–12 cm long, which provide its characteristic “hairy” appearance. It also develops 1–5 sturdier yellowish or grayish central spines. With maturity, a lateral pseudocephalium appears, formed by modified areoles densely covered in wool and bristles.
🌍 Distribution, habitat and family
Endemic to Mexico, mainly in Hidalgo and Guanajuato, where it grows on slopes, ravines, and limestone hills of xerophilous scrub, at approximately 1,000 to 1,850 m altitude. It belongs to the Cactaceae family, Cactoideae subfamily.
❄️ Temperature · USDA Zone 9b
Tolerates minimum temperatures down to −4 ºC when dry and well-acclimated. In winter, it should be kept completely dry, especially when the specimens are young.
☀️ Lighting
It requires very intense lighting and can receive direct sun after progressive acclimatization. Good lighting promotes compact growth and keeps the bristle cover cleaner and brighter. As a guideline during active growth, a DLI PAR of 20–30 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ is recommended.
💧 Growth cycle and watering
Winter rest. During active growth, it is recommended to water abundantly and let the substrate dry completely before the next watering. In winter, it must be kept dry and with good ventilation.
🌸 Flowering
Flowers appear only on mature specimens, from the pseudocephalium. They are nocturnal, tubular or slightly bell-shaped, pinkish with yellowish tones, about 5–8 cm, and subsequently produce pink fruits of approximately 2.5–3 cm.
🌿 Nutrition
During the active growth period, a fertilizer with a high content of assimilable calcium and low nitrogen levels such as Desert CHOICE® Cactaceae is recommended, applied once a month when watering. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Flowering.
This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a technological square pot and with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.
18x18 cm pot
- Hassle-free returns
- Free Shipping on orders over €79.99
Expert advice with every purchase
Our team provides you with personalized advice on caring for your plants and growing media.
-
Secure and protected payment guaranteed.
