Cephalocereus

Family Cactaceae. Native to Mexico. Of the Cephalocereus, which number about 50 species, only one species has become widespread the old man Cephalocereus - C. senilis. This cactus is popularly called "old man's head", which corresponds to its appearance. In the wild Cephalocereus senilis grows up to 15 m in height and 40 cm in diameter.

In indoor conditions it lives a long time and also reaches large size. The cylindrical green stem with yellowish spines is completely covered with long hairs up to 10 cm long. Indoors Cephalocereus senilis does not flower. The main difficulty in keeping it is cold wintering — while other cacti may be satisfied with temperatures around 10°C, for Cephalocereus the winter temperature should be significantly lower.



Temperature: Moderate. In winter a dormancy period at 6-7°C, minimum 5°C, with dry conditions.

Light: Maximum sunlight. Cephalocereus senilis is protected from sunburn by its hairs. Without adequate sunlight the stem elongates, the hairs become short, and its decorative appeal is lost.

Watering: Moderate in spring and summer, reduced from autumn, and almost no watering in winter when kept cold. Cephalocereus senilis is very sensitive to overwatering.

Fertilizer: From late spring to mid-summer feed with a special cactus fertilizer.

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