Neoporteria senilis f. nigrum | Old Man Cactus
€26,50
🌱 Morphology
Generally solitary cactus, although it can occasionally branch, with an initially globose stem that can become subglobose, ovoid, or slightly cylindrical with age. It reaches approximately 4–12 cm in diameter and has a grayish-green epidermis.
It develops 13–21 ribs, relatively low and marked, with a characteristic notch or depression between the areoles. The areoles are elongated and woolly, approximately 6–10 × 4–6 mm.
The spination is extraordinarily characteristic and variable. Each areole can produce numerous spines, approximately 15–40 radials of 2–6 cm and 4–20 centrals of 3–6 cm, although the differentiation between radial and central spines may not be very evident. They are fine, flexible, recurved, and frequently twisted and intertwined, coming to almost completely conceal the body.
The color of the spines is brown and even almost black.
🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family
Family Cactaceae. It is endemic to central Chile, mainly in the Coquimbo Region and areas of Valparaíso, especially in the provinces of Choapa, Limarí, and Elqui. It grows in arid and semi-arid environments of the Andean foothills, on rocky slopes, generally among Mediterranean scrub bushes that can provide it with some protection against extreme solar radiation.
Its altitudinal range reaches approximately 600–2000 m, according to available distribution references. The root is tuberous, an important adaptation for storing reserves and taking advantage of seasonal rainfall.
Taxonomically, it was known for decades as Neoporteria senilis Backeb..
❄️ Temperature
USDA Zone 8b–11b. It tolerates minimum temperatures down to −9 ºC, as a point of reference for dry specimens that are well-acclimated and protected from humidity.
Lower tolerances have been documented in certain forms and conditions. Therefore, the figure of −9 ºC should be understood as a point of resistance and not a recommended cultivation temperature. The risk increases considerably when the cactus remains damp during cold spells.
☀️ Lighting
Indicative PAR DLI: 18–25 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹.
It requires high light levels to maintain compact and properly developed spination. It can be grown in full sun after progressive acclimatization, although in its habitat some populations grow partially protected by scrub.
Intense radiation also promotes the formation of dense spines and the expression of white, yellowish, or reddish tones in the spination.
💧 Growth cycle and irrigation
Winter rest. It is a primarily summer-growing cactus, adapted to a Mediterranean climate with rainfall concentrated outside the warm season, but with a vegetative response that allows it to take advantage of favorable summer temperatures in cultivation.
During the active period, it is recommended to provide abundant watering and let the substrate dry out completely before the next one. Frequent and shallow watering should be avoided, especially because its tuberous roots are sensitive to excess moisture.
As autumn arrives, watering should be progressively spaced out. During winter, it is recommended to keep it practically dry, especially when temperatures are low.
In spring, watering should be resumed gradually as temperatures rise and signs of vegetative activity are observed.
🌸 Flowering
The flowers are one of the most striking characteristics of Eriosyce senilis. They appear in young areoles near the apex, generally forming a crown of flowers around the upper part of the stem.
They are relatively large in proportion to the body, with an elongated and narrow floral tube, approximately 2.5–5 cm long, and a tubular to narrowly infundibuliform corolla.
The coloration can vary from pink and magenta to deep carmine red, with a generally lighter throat. The floral tube has small scales whose axils are provided with tufts of white wool and some bristles, especially towards the top. The inner perianth segments remain partially curved inward, giving the flower its elongated and elegant appearance.
In Chile, flowering occurs mainly during spring and summer, and the flowers stand out intensely against the spination, making the plants much more visible among the scrub. In Spain, it can be expected approximately between May and August, depending on temperatures and the start of the active period.
🌿 Nutrition
During the active growth period, a fertilizer with a high content of assimilable calcium and low nitrogen levels, such as Desert CHOICE® Cactáceas, is recommended, applied once a month when watering. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Floración.
This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a technological square pot and with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi
📏 The sizes of our basic collection xerophytes are as follows:
S -> 9cm x 9cm
M-> 14cm x 14 cm
L->16cm x 16 cm
* As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the sent specimen may vary slightly from the product image. In the photo description, the plant measurements are specified, but this can also vary slightly because, after all, it is a living being! Each of the Desert CITY plants has unique characteristics.
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