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  Cephalocereus senilis forma cristata CACTUS ART
NURSERY

Cultivation and Mail Sale
of Cacti and Succulents.


This is really a beautiful crested cactus but is still rare in cactus collection..
 

Description: The standard columnar Cephalocereus senilis (commonly known as the old man cactus) is very popular and widely grown for its woolly appearance, but this beautiful crested form is still rare in cactus collection. The most striking feature is the long, greyish-white hairs it possesses, which serve to protect it from the harsh sun common to its native habitat in eastern Hidalgo, Mexico. More precisely the long white hairs are actually long bristles that benefit the plant by reducing sun exposure and by trapping a layer of air next to the cactus body. This helps to cool the plant in the summer and keep it warm in the winter. The coat of hair makes many plants appear almost snow-white (however, the hairs conceal numerous sharp yellow spines).


Cultivation:
It is a slow growing species, but it can be much faster when grafted and sustained with proper watering and fertilizing.
Plants grown on their own roots need a very well-drained soil mix (more so than many other cacti) and little to moderate water in summer, almost none in winter, as they are very rot prone particularly when young. They require lots of bright sunlight, which encourages growth of the hair. Frost tolerance: hardy to -10°C for short periods. It is possible to wash the white "hair" with diluted shampoo or bleach to keep it a candid white.

The grafted plants are very easy to grow and will form a large white brain-like mounds  with age.  Watering during the active growing season (spring and summer); this will encourage steady growth, and prevent the plant from shrivelling.

 

Propagation: This plant can be propagated only vegetatively by grafting or (rarely) cuttings.

Family: Cactaceae (Cactus Family)


Scientific name:  Cephalocereus senilis (Haworth) Pfeiffer
In: Allg.Gartenz. &: 142. 1838
forma cristata

Origin Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar)

Conservation status: Listed in CITES appendix 2.

Common English Names include: Crested Old Man Cactus, Crested Old Man of Mexico, Crested White Persian Cat Cactus.

Etymology: The genus name "Cephalocereus"   comes from the Greek word "kephale", meaning "head"and the Latin word "cereus", meaning a "wax taper (a candle)".
The genus name "Senilis" comes from a Latin word meaning an "old or aged man".
 

Synonyms:
  • Cephalocereus senilis f. fasciatus

 

 

Photo gallery: Alphabetical listing of Cactus and Succulent pictures published in this site.

Photo gallery CEPHALOCEREUS

 
 

A Special Thanks to all Those Who help us to make this web site
This plant description is based on research and personal experiences and is too short to provide a comprehensive coverage of the subject. Do you see an error in what is shown? Or do you know more about the species than we are showing? Your help is greatly appreciated. Why not send us an email with further information or photos so that we can correct or extend the information provided?

The photos in  this site are subject to copyright. Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of CACTUS ART nursery and the original photographer.

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