The Old Man Cactus is usually grown in a container, although it can also be grown outdoors if the weather conditions are carefully monitored. It is unnecessary to fertilize during the winter months, as this cactus is mainly a spring/summer grower. Old Man Cactus plants are tough, but fertilizers with too much nitrogen will result in soft, succulent growth that is more susceptible to pests and disease. Use a balanced (20-20-20) water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season for the best results.ĭilute to half recommended strength and apply weekly to two-week intervals as needed.īe careful not to over-fertilize. The Old Man Cactus requires very little fertilizer. If grown in a terrarium, make sure to provide excellent ventilation to prevent rot. The Old Man Cactus (Cephalocereus senilis) thrives at a daytime temperature of 22 – 28° C (71 – 82° F) with a slight variation during the night.ĭuring winter, when less light is entering the plant’s environment, it can tolerate cooler conditions as low as 15☌ (59☏).īut never allow the temperature to fall below 10☌ (50☏).Ībout the humidity, it grows well in dry regions (less than 50% relative humidity) and indoors. If you live in a humid area with high rainfall or humidity, it’s best to take extra precautions such as placing your cactus pot on top of the soil rather than burying it within the soil so that excess moisture will drain away from the roots. The soil should be well-draining and not hold water, leading to root rot. If you want to mix your own soil, a general rule of thumb is that the mix should be one part coarse sand, one part perlite, and 1-2 parts potting soil. In nature, old man cactus tends to grow in gravelly or sandy soils, both of which make for an excellent growing medium. A cactus soil mix is a good option however, any well-draining soil mix will do. The Old Man Cactus prefers a loose, fast-draining soil. It’s a good idea to find a container for your cactus with drainage holes so that excess water can drain out.Īs long as you water your cactus when it’s dry and give it enough sunlight, the plant should do quite well for itself. Whenever you water your cactus, make sure that the soil has completely dried before you add more water to it. In general, it needs to be watered about once or twice per month, but this will depend on factors like the temperature and sunlight the plant gets. The Old Man Cactus needs to be watered when the soil is completely dry. Sometimes, a large old man cactus can have up to 20 flowers at one time! Watering Requirements The more sunlight your cactus receives, the more flowers it will produce. When indoors, it’s a good idea to locate the Old Man cactus as close as possible to south or west windows, where the light is usually brighter. If you live in an area where the sun shines directly on your cactus, I recommend that you rotate it always to have the same orientation. The Old Man cactus can tolerate full sun because the long white spines provide some protection. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight or at least 8 hours of indirect sunlight. The Old Man cactus plant loves to have bright sunlight. The essential details about caring for Old Man Cactus are listed below. Old Man Cactus care is relatively easy if you know a few things about their simple needs. Bearded Cactus How To Care for the Old Man Cactus (Cephalocereus Senilis).The Cephalocereus senilis is often known by the following names: Old Man Cactus may live to be 200 years old under the right circumstances. The Old Man Cactus flowers are red, yellow, or white, but the plant may take ten to twenty years to bloom. The young cactus has a stunning silvery-white coat the stem loses its covering as the plant matures. These spines, which seem like the shaggy hair of an older man, grow long. The Old Man Cactus is completely covered in modified spines, which appear to be white hair. It is a tall, columnar cactus with clusters of unbranched stems that may reach 5-15 m in height. The Old Man Cactus (Cephalocereus senilis) is a succulent plant member of the Cactaceae family native to Guanajuato and Hidalgo, Mexico. How To Propagate the Old Man Cactus (Cephalocereus Senilis) Overview
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