About
Espostoa melanostele, the old man cactus, is a columnar cactus producing 20�30-ribbed, cylindrical stems densely covered with white wool and concealed sharp spines. A distinctive and architectural cactus for a heated greenhouse or frost-free, sunny 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.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants
Native toS. Ecuador, Peru
Care notes
CultivationGrow 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
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed at 21°C in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to root and stem rots if overwatered