Cephalocereus senilis aka Bunny Cactus

Taxonomy

Cephalocereus senilis, also known as the Old Man cactus, is a threatened species native to central Mexico but has become a popular houseplant due to its ease of care and exotic appearance. This columnar succulent has spines that form fine white hairs, giving it the appearance of an old man. While these hairs are soft to the touch, there are sharp spikes hidden beneath them, making this plant a bit of a grumpy old man. Despite its popularity in cultivation, efforts are being made to reduce the demand on wild populations. Overall, the Old Man cactus adds a mystic and unique atmosphere to any home.

Common names

Bunny Cactus, Old Man Of Mexico, Old Man Cactus

How to care for Bunny Cactus

Difficulty

Caring for Bunny Cactus is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Bunny Cactus does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

When growing the Bunny Cactus, it's important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and does not retain excessive moisture. An optimal soil mix should contain a high proportion of perlite or vermiculite for good drainage and some organic matter for nourishment. Simply add a few scoops of perlite to regular cactus soil to achieve this.

Lighting

Bunny Cactus requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Old Man Of Mexico is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Bunny Cactus to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Bunny Cactus is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

Bunny Cactus plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.

Fertilizer

The Bunny Cactus grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Bunny Cactus as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Bunny Cactus’s native range is Central, South America, and the Caribbean.

Flower

Yes, if you provide your Bunny Cactus with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia