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Cactus Succulent
Espostoa lanata
Peruvian old man cactus
A columnar cactus with 20- to 30-ribbed stems, densely clothed in a white wool. In its native Peru it may reach 6m tall, but will only attain a fraction of that when grown as a pot plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Sand
Clay
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green White | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green White | |||
Autumn | Green White | |||
Winter | Green White |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S. Ecuador, Peru
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in cactus compost in a sunny position. Water moderately during the growing season and keep almost dry in winter. 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
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs
Diseases
May be susceptible to root and stem rots if overwatered
Get involved
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