Espostoa lanata

RHS Plant Profile
Peruvian old man cactus

Other common names

cotton ball

Award of Garden Merit
Cactus Succulent

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cactaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
A genus of 16 species of cacti from southern Ecuador and Peru, grown mainly as houseplants. They have tall, columnar stems covered in fuzzy, soft white hairs which hide circles of sharp spines. Bell or cup-shaped flowers are generally white, rarely red, and bloom at night and the sweet, juicy fruits are edible
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

  • Houseplants
  • 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