Espostoa lanata aka Peruvian Old Man Cactus

Taxonomy

Espostoa lanata, also known as Wooly Espostoa, is a columnar cactus belonging to the genus Espostoa and the family Cactaceae. Its common names include Peruvian old man cactus, cotton ball cactus, snowball cactus, and snowball old man. This cactus has 20- to 30-ribbed stems that are densely covered in a white wool. It is native to Peru, where it can reach heights of up to 6 meters, but when grown as a pot plant, it will only achieve a fraction of that size. The genus name honors Peruvian botanist Nicolas E. Esposto, and the specific epithet, lanata, refers to its woolly appearance. Peruvian Old Man Cactus is similar to the Old Man Cactus (Cephalocereus senilis), and care instructions for these two cacti are interchangeable. It grows rapidly when young but slows down after two years. While young, it grows strictly as a columnar plant, but as it matures, it may branch out. Outdoors, it can reach a diameter of about 8 inches and a height of up to 23 feet, but indoor growth is naturally controlled. The thick, woolly coat of white hair covering the Peruvian old man cactus is so soft that it has been used as a filling for pillows in Peru.

Common names

Peruvian Old Man Cactus, Peruvian Snowball Cactus, Peruvian Old Man

How to care for Peruvian Old Man Cactus

Difficulty

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

Water

Peruvian Old Man Cactus does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Lighting

Peruvian Old Man 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 Peruvian Snowball Cactus is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.


More info:
Wikipedia