Oreocereus trollii aka Old Man Of The Andes

Taxonomy

Genus Oreocereus Family Cactaceae Order Caryophyllales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Oreocereus trollii, also known as the Old Man of the Andes cactus, is a species of cacti native to Argentina and Bolivia. This columnar cactus can grow up to 50cm tall and has ribbed stems covered in a dense layer of white wool, which actually consists of radial spines that protect the plant from extreme sunlight and cold temperatures. The central spines are brown and can reach up to 5cm in length. During the summer, mature O. trollii plants may produce tubular, dark pink flowers that are approximately 4cm long. This cactus requires bright light to thrive and produce its characteristic dense hairs. However, it does not tolerate extremely high temperatures due to its mountain habitat. It is important to water the plant thoroughly when the soil is dry, but overwatering should be avoided during cold winter months. It is advisable not to water the cactus on overcast, humid, or cold winter days. Despite being listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, Oreocereus trollii is extensively collected and is threatened in some areas.

Common names

Old Man Of The Andes, Old Man Cactus

How to care for Old Man Of The Andes

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Old Man Of The Andes is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Lighting

Old Man Of The Andes 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 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:
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More Species in Oreocereus Genus

Oreocereus celsianus Old Man Of The Andes

Oreocereus leucotrichus Old Man Of The Andes