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

Espostoa melanostele

A columnar, clump-forming cactus with 20- to 30-ribbed stems, densely covered with white wool

Synonyms
Binghamia melanostele
Cephalocereus melanostele
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green White
Summer Green White
Autumn Green White
Winter Green White
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Cactaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
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

Unresolved

Plant range
C. 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 seed or removing offsets 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

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.