About

Espostoa lanata, the Peruvian old man cactus, is a columnar cactus from Peru producing tall, 20�30-ribbed, cylindrical stems densely clothed in soft, woolly, white hair concealing sharp spines beneath. In its native Peru it can reach 6 m, though as a pot plant it remains much more modest. Nocturnal, bell-shaped white flowers appear on mature specimens. A distinctive and architecturally striking cactus for a heated greenhouse or frost-free garden.

About the genus

Espostoa are columnar cacti from Ecuador and Peru with tall, cylindrical stems covered in dense, white, woolly or bristly hairs concealing sharp spines. Bell-shaped white or rarely red flowers bloom at night, followed by edible fruits. Grown mainly as houseplants or in heated glasshouses.

Plant details

Suggested usesContainers, rock gardens, dry gardens.

Care notes

CultivationPlant in very well-drained, gritty compost. Full sun.
PruningMinimal pruning needed. Remove dead leaves.
PropagationPropagate by division, cuttings, or seed as appropriate.
Pest resistanceMealybugs and vine weevil may occur.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant. Ensure good air circulation.
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