Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Cactus Succulent

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
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver
Summer Purple Pink Grey Silver
Autumn Grey Silver
Winter Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical 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
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
  • Houseplants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.