Pilosocereus leucocephalus
Old man cactus, Old man of Mexico, Runo, Cabeza de viejo, Organo
Also known as Pilocereus sartorius, Cephalocereus maxonii, Pilocereus palmeri
- Height × spread
- 5m × 2m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 10C & above (RHS H1b)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
These can grow several metres in height with short branches on the lower part of the height. They are coloured blue-green, sometimes more greenish. They have up to 12 ribs that carry spines which start brown and turn grey with age. They produce clusters of distinctly animal-like silky white hairs. It is from this area that the pinkish white flowers emerge which may be 6cm in length; They are followed by globose fruits.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 5m
- Spread
- 2m
- Height in 10 years
- 0.5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 0.3m
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Indoors, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Gravelly soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Alkaline
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 10C & above (RHS H1b)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Indoor light
- full light at all times
- Indoor temperature
- 10C minimum temperature
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- Yes, leaves & stems are prickly/thorny
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 that means the 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.
Winter
Winter · Indoors
Water sparingly during dormancy
In its dormant period give very little water, keeping the soil barely moist. Dormancy is likely to be during the winter and the plant recommences growth in early to mid spring.
When a plant enters dormancy the leaves fade, go yellow and then brown. Eventually the whole plant may 'disappear' or unadorned stems may remain.
Planting & general
Indoor temperature · Planting
10C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 10 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.