Oreocereus trollii
old man of the Andes
A columnar cactus to 50cm, with cylindrical, ribbed stems and a dense covering of white wool; this is actually the radial spines that have evolved to protect the stem from extreme sun exposure and low temperatures. The central spines are brown, to 5cm long. In summer mature plants may produce tubular, dark pink flowers to 4cm long
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Pink | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
A genus of cacti native to the high Andes and covered in a woolly, white coating and long brown spines. They produce trumpet-shaped red flowers in the spring
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Bolivia, N Argentina
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in a mix of 4 parts standard cactus compost and 1 part limestone chippings, in full light. From spring to summer water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; keep dry at other times. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed at 21°C in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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