About
Oreocereus trollii, old man of the Andes, is a columnar cactus to 50 cm with cylindrical, ribbed stems densely covered in white wool � evolved to protect against extreme sun and low temperatures. Central spines are brown, to 5 cm long. In summer, mature plants produce tubular, dark-pink flowers to 4 cm long. A distinctive and fascinating cactus for a sunny greenhouse bench.
About the genus
Oreocereus are columnar cacti from the high Andes covered in a woolly white coating and long, brown spines, producing trumpet-shaped, red flowers in spring. Grown on sunny greenhouse benches.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Houseplants
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toS Bolivia, N Argentina
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in a mix of 4 parts standard cactus compost and 1 part limestone chippings, in full light. From spring to summer water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; keep dry at other times. 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 resistanceGenerally disease-free