Espostoa melanostele

Peruvian Old Man Cactus

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Columnar cactus with dense white woolly spines resembling an old man's beard. Native to Peru, slow-growing, blooms apically when mature.
yard Succulents plants wb_sunny Sun pets Not pet-safe
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Plant Details

Common Name Peruvian Old Man Cactus
Family Cactaceae
Genus Espostoa
Species Melanostigma
Origin Peru
Blooming Apical flowers in summer when mature
Leaf Color Green with white woolly spines
Sunlight Sun
Category Succulents plants
Pet Friendly close No
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Care & Maintenance

terrain
Soil

Cactus mix with high drainage (pumice/perlite), pH slightly acidic to neutral

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Watering

Water thoroughly during active growing season, allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce significantly in winter dormancy

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Sunlight & Care

Full sun exposure required for best growth; provide bright light indoors but avoid scorching in peak summer heat without acclimation

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Fertilization

Apply diluted cactus fertilizer monthly during spring and summer; no fertilization in winter

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Pruning

Remove dead or damaged spines carefully with gloves; do not trim healthy woolly covering

Pest Control Mealybug Scale Insect Spider Mite

These are the insects and pathogens that commonly interact with this plant, including pests, parasites, and organisms typically associated with its care.

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Seasonal Periods

local_florist Flowering Period 3 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
eco Leaf Persistence 12 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
thermostat

Growing Parameters

thermostat
Temperature
50° – 95°
Fahrenheit
Ideal ambient air temperature range for healthy growth
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Humidity
20% – 60%
% relative
Optimal relative air humidity the plant thrives in
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Light (LUX)
2000 – 35000
Lux
Ambient illuminance level at the plant's surface
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Light (PAR)
180 – 3500
mmol/m²/s
Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intensity
water
Soil Moisture
10% – 40%
% volumetric
Water content in the growing medium
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Soil EC
300 – 1500
mS/cm
Electrical conductivity (nutrient concentration in soil water)
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Common Problems

Something wrong with your Espostoa melanostele? Select a symptom to diagnose and fix the issue.

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