Cephalocereus senilis

Water:

April-September: 1 x every 2 weeks*

October-March: 1x per month *

*This is only for a sunny location

Light: sunny

Nutrition: 1x per month (May-September)

Cephalocereus senilis, also known as the old man cactus, is an iconic columnar cactus found only in Mexico, specifically in Hidalgo and Veracruz, where it grows in calcareous canyons within dry, xerophilous vegetation. In these areas, it forms a striking landscape feature, sometimes reaching heights of up to fifteen meters. This species is particularly abundant on the calcareous hills of eastern Hidalgo, and large specimens are not uncommon. Although populations are still locally abundant, the number of mature plants is declining due to collection from the wild, especially young plants popular in ornamental horticulture. The collection of seeds and fruits also poses a threat to the natural balance.

The most recognizable feature of the Cephalocereus senilis is the dense, snow-white hair that hangs like a tangled cloak around the trunk, earning it the nickname "old man cactus." These long, silky hairs are actually modified radial spines and offer protection from bright sun and frost. In older plants, the hair gradually diminishes, revealing the grayish-green trunk. Beneath this soft appearance lie sturdy yellow central spines, well hidden within the woolly hairs.

The trunk is cylindrical, light green to grayish-green, sometimes branching from the base, and can reach a diameter of thirty centimeters. As the plant matures, pseudocephalia develop at the top or on one side, zones rich in wool and enlarged areoles, fully specialized for flower production. This flower zone often only develops when the cactus is approximately six meters tall. The areoles are closely spaced and produce both long, hair-like tendrils and the shorter, yellowish-gray central spines.

The flowers of the Cephalocereus senilis are solitary, nocturnal flowers that emerge from the pseudocephalium. They are funnel-shaped, five to nine centimeters long and seven to eight centimeters wide, soft yellow to pinkish in color, and subtly hairy on the outside. The cactus only blooms when very mature, often between ten and twenty years old.

Cephalocereus senilis is a beloved ornamental cactus for its unique appearance and sculptural character. In cultivation, it's a slow-growing, eye-catching specimen that thrives in well-drained soil, plenty of light, and minimal watering. A unique and distinctive cactus that immediately stands out in any collection.

A: Cephalocereus senilis B: IT-09-6027 C: AR-2003 D:IT