Pilosocereus leucocephalus
old man cactus
This cactus hails from Central America. Distinctive for the silky growth surrounding its spines, it has earned the nickname, woolly torch. The ribbed trunks may be branched and can reach 6m.Older plants will bear showy pale pink flowers with lemon throats on their crowns. In the wild these are principally bat pollinated
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | Pink Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Pilosocereus is a genus of vigorous and fast-growing cacti which often become large in size, with some varieties reaching over 4m. Some species are branched in form and night-flowering whilst other are more shrub or tree-like. Many have an attractive blue colour. Flowers are funnel-shaped with greenish or reddish outer segments.
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala
How to grow
Cultivation
Requires good light and sharp drainage. Increase watering and feeding in summer months to promote growth. A minimum temperature of 11oC. Could be placed outdoors in a sheltered spot in summer. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by stem cuttings or by seed in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Pruning is not required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, capsid bug, earwigs, eelworms, mealybugs glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
Diseases
Over-watering, especially in cooler temperatures will cause rot
Get involved
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