Scientific Name
Espostoa lanata (Kunth) Britton & Rose
Common Names
Peruvian Old Lady
Synonyms
Cephalocereus melanostele (basionym), Binghamia melanostele, Cereus melanostele, Espostoa haagei, Haageocereus melanostele, Pseudoespostoa melanostele
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Espostoa
Description
Espostoa melanostele in its natural habitat it slowly grows up to 7 feet (2.1 m) tall, but raised in a pot it will reach up to 10 inches (25 cm) in 10 years. Even at a very young age, the cactus displays an abundance of long, woolly spines that cover and hide the body of the plant including sharp, white, yellow or red spines up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long. As the cactus matures all the spines become darker. The stems are erect and columnar and branch at the base to form a clumps. The flowers are rare, white in color, nocturnal and up to 2 inches (5 cm) wide. Berry-like fruits are produced with edible, dull black seeds inside.
Photo via cactofili.org
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Several species of Espostoa, are especially popular in cultivation due to their fuzzy white hairy appearance. The plants are typically sold by large commercial growers as up to 12 inch (30 cm) stems. However, being large columnar species, these plants do not grow nearly as vigorously in pots as they would in the ground. Plants tend to quickly fill the pots becoming pot bound and then growth slows to a crawl. As such, these plants rarely, if ever reach maturity meaning they don't produce the cephalium and subsequently do not flower. On the other hand, those in warmer climates that can plant the species directly in the ground may indeed have plants that form a nice grouping of stems that will eventually flower.
Like all cacti, Espostoa requires a sunny location and well-drained soil. But in summer, it appreciates fertilizer and wetter conditions. In winter, it needs a rest, but the temperature must not drop below 54 °F (12 °C)…- See more at: How to Grow and care for Espostoa
Origin
Espostoa melanostele is native to southern Ecuador and Peru.
Links
- Back to genus Espostoa
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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