Espostoa lanata

Synonyms:

Cactus lanatus
Cephalocereus dautwitzii
Cereus dautwitzii
Cereus lanatus
Cereus lanatus subsp. sericatus
Cereus sericatus
Cleistocactus lanatus
Espostoa dautwitzii
Espostoa dautwitzii
Espostoa lanata f. roseiflora
Espostoa lanata subsp. roseiflora
Espostoa lanata var. sericata
Espostoa laticornua var. atroviolacea
Espostoa laticornua var. rubens
Espostoa sericata
Oreocereus lanatus
Pilocereus dautwitzii
Pilocereus lanatus
Pilocereus lanatus var. haagei

Habitat:

This cactus, native to Southern Ecuador and northern Peru, primarily thrives on the western slopes of the Andes.

Description:

Espostoa lanata, also known as the Peruvian Old Man Cactus, is a slow-growing cactus that takes on a tree-like shape as it ages, reaching heights between 1.5 to 7 meters. Similar to the “Old Man of Mexico” (Cephalocereus senilis), it boasts a dense covering of warm, woolly hair and is well-suited for high-altitude environments. However, what sets Espostoa lanata apart is the presence of sharp spines. The stems are cylindrical, standing either erect or spreading, and are about 6-10 centimeters in diameter, emerging from a short trunk that’s roughly 1 meter tall and up to 20 centimeters in diameter.
It possesses 18-25 low, rounded ribs that are separated by linear furrows, each measuring about 5-8 millimeters in height. The areoles, which are elliptical in shape, are closely spaced, approximately 7-10 millimeters apart, and are nearly concealed by white or yellowish hairs and spines. These hairs are neatly arranged, cleverly hiding the sharp spines, which can be a surprise for the unwary.
Central spines may be absent, or occasionally there is one that measures 1-2.5 centimeters long. On the other hand, there are 30-40 acicular radial spines that spread outwards. They start off reddish or yellowish-brown, aging to a grey hue. These radial spines are 3-8 millimeters in length.
The flowers emerge from a lateral pseudocephalium, which can extend up to 1 meter long and span 4-5 ribs in width. It is adorned with brown or grey spines and wool, providing a striking contrast to the snow-white spines covering the rest of the cactus. These nocturnal, funnel-shaped flowers, measuring up to 5.5 centimeters in length and 3.5 centimeters in diameter, appear almost hidden by the wool. They range in color from white to purple. The ovary and flower tube are adorned with small scales bearing long, silky, and deciduous hairs.
Espostoa lanata typically blooms in late spring to early summer. Its fruits are top-shaped, nearly spherical, about 2.5 centimeters long and in diameter, and sport a purplish-red hue. They are remarkably juicy, sweet, and edible. These colorful fruits protrude from the woolly mass of the lateral cephalium, creating a striking visual display. The seeds of Espostoa lanata are very small, black, and shiny.

Cultivation:

Espostoa lanata is a cactus that grows well during the summer and is quite easy to take care of. It looks great when grown in pots.
This cactus tends to grow a lot each year if it gets enough food and water, especially in the warm months. If it gets used to being in full sun, it can grow up to 20 cm in a year. It usually produces new shoots easily, so you can have a bunch of them in a few years. However, keep in mind that it can fill up a big pot over time, so make sure it has enough space to grow well.
For the soil, it’s best to use a cactus mix that’s very airy and doesn’t have too much organic material like peat or humus. When you’re repotting it, which should be done every 2-3 years, use a large container with good drainage and fill it with very porous soil.
Water the plants thoroughly, and let the soil dry out before watering them again. Interestingly, this cactus seems to like a bit more water compared to most other cacti.
During the growing season, which is when it’s getting warmer and sunnier, give it some balanced fertilizer about once a month.
If it’s grown outside, it should get plenty of sunlight. Inside, it needs bright light and some direct sun. In the winter, find a cool, well-lit spot for it and don’t water or fertilize it as much. This helps it go into a kind of hibernation, which is important because it might get thin and stretched out if it doesn’t get enough light.
Espostoa lanata is quite tough and can handle cold temperatures down to about -12°C or even lower. It’s generally hardier compared to many other cacti, especially when it’s warm. However, be careful not to overwater it, as it can be vulnerable to fungal diseases if it stays too damp.

Propagation:

Growing Espostoa lanata can be achieved through either cuttings or seeds. If you choose to start from seeds, it’s a fairly straightforward process. The key factors for successful germination and growth include providing a high level of humidity, utilizing a well-draining soil mixture, and ensuring an adequate supply of water, light, and nutrients. These elements collectively create an optimal environment for the seeds to sprout and develop into healthy plants.

Curiosity:

In Peru, the fuzzy hairs found on the cephalia of Espostoa lanata have found an interesting use—they’ve been employed as stuffing material for pillows. This unique application highlights the versatility of this cactus species and its potential contribution to local craftsmanship and comfort.

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