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Cephalocereus senilis (Old man cactus)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
12m
Max height
Max height
2m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Cephalocereus senilis
Other names
Old man cactus, Monkey cactus, Old man's head, Pilocereus senilis
Genus
Cephalocereus Cephalocereus
Species
C. senilis - C. senilis is a tender, columnar cactus with spiny ribs and twisting, bristly, white hairs lengthening with age. Funnel-shaped, pink flowers open at night in summer.
Cephalocereus senilis is: Evergreen
Habit
Erect
Toxicity
Plant has spines; use extreme caution when handling.
Flower
Pink in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Mealybugs Mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
General care
Propagation
Sow seed at 19-24C (66-75F) in spring.
Propagation methods
Seed
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Where to grow
Cephalocereus senilis (Old man cactus) will reach a height of 12m and a spread of 2m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Conservatory, Containers, Drought Tolerant, Gravel, Indoor, Rock
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in a mix of 3 parts cactus compost and 1 part limestone chippings in full light. Water moderately in growth and feed a low-nitrogen fertiliser monthly. Keep dry in winter. In frost-free areas, grow outdoors in sharply-drained, poor to moderately fertile, slightly alkaline soil in full sun.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Cephalocereus senilis
Other names
Old man cactus, Monkey cactus, Old man's head, Pilocereus senilis
Genus
Cephalocereus Cephalocereus
Species
C. senilis - C. senilis is a tender, columnar cactus with spiny ribs and twisting, bristly, white hairs lengthening with age. Funnel-shaped, pink flowers open at night in summer.
Native to
Mexico
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Erect
Toxicity
Plant has spines; use extreme caution when handling.
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Colour
Flower
Pink in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
General care
Propagation
Sow seed at 19-24C (66-75F) in spring.
Propagation methods
Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Cephalocereus senilis (Old man cactus) will reach a height of 12m and a spread of 2m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Conservatory, Containers, Drought Tolerant, Gravel, Indoor, Rock
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in a mix of 3 parts cactus compost and 1 part limestone chippings in full light. Water moderately in growth and feed a low-nitrogen fertiliser monthly. Keep dry in winter. In frost-free areas, grow outdoors in sharply-drained, poor to moderately fertile, slightly alkaline soil in full sun.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 11, Zone 10
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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