Oreocereus celsianus
Old man of the Andes
Also known as Pilocereus celsianus, Cereus celsianus
- Height × spread
- 2m × 1m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This has many stems that stand erect. They are partially masked by many hairs and spines. They have up to 25 ribs and yellow to red brown spines. It does produce flowers coloured purple pink, and these are followed by rounded fruits.
- Flower colour
- Pink, Purple
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 2m
- Spread
- 1m
- Height in 10 years
- 1m
- Spread in 10 years
- 0.5m
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Indoors, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Gravelly soil, Poor soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- Alkaline
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Indoor light
- full light at all times
- Indoor temperature
- 3C minimum temperature
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- Yes, leaves & stems are prickly/thorny
AutumnNow
Autumn-Winter · Indoors
Keep dry during dormancy
Keep dry during the period of dormancy or resting, which is likely to be from the middle of the autumn until spring.
Autumn-Winter · Outdoors
Keep dry during dormancy
Keep dry during the period of dormancy or resting, which is likely to be from the middle of the autumn until spring.
Spring
Spring-Summer · Indoors
Feed with cactus feed
Use specialist cactus feed and apply monthly from April to August, using the quantity advised on the label.
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Water regularly during growth
Water regularly while in growth
Adopt a regime whereby plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.
Spring-Summer · Outdoors
Feed with cactus feed
Use specialist cactus feed and apply monthly from April to August, using the quantity advised on the label.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water regularly during growth
Water regularly while in growth
Adopt a regime whereby plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.
Planting & general
Indoor temperature · Planting
3C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 3 Centigrade.
Compost · Planting
Cactus compost for repotting
Use standard cactus compost. Top the soil with grit or granite chips to ensure perfect drainage around plant stem. Repot when the plant is dry and delay watering for 3 days after repotting.
You can also make own compost using 3 parts John Innes no. 2, 1 part horticultural grit, and 1 part horticultural grade perlite or pumice. There are many 'recipes' available and opinions vary widely - consult specialist literature or websites.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in a sunny spot, eg windowsill
Give this plant a position where there is as much light and sunlight as possible. It is suitable for sunny windowsills as it can cope with high day temperatures and lower night temperatures.