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Oreocereus celsianus

old man of the Andes

Clump-forming perennial cactus, eventually to 3m tall, with upright stems branching from the base, each with warty ribs. Grey-woolly areoles have white hairs and yellow to reddish-brown spines and single, pale purplish-pink flowers to 9cm long, brownish-red outside, are borne in summer

Synonyms
Borzicactus celsianus
Size
Growing conditions
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Position
Aspect

Exposure
Botanical details
Family
Cactaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
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
Chile

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in cactus compost in a well-lit position; water regularly from spring to summer to keep the compost just moist, and apply a liquid fertiliser monthly. Keep dry at other times. For more information see houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 21°C in spring or summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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