Borzicactus celsianus (Old Man of the Andes)


Botanical Information

FamilyCactaceae
GenusBorzicactus
Speciescelsianus
SynonymsOreocereus celsianus
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
OriginArgentina.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9b - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH3 - H1c
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)5
Temperature (°F)36
Height0.2 - 0.6 m
Spread0.3 - 0.5 m
GrowthSlow

Description and Growing Information

ShapeClump-forming to upright.
LandscapeSmall indoor cacti collections or as a specimen under glass or indoors.
PropagationDivision.or stem cuttings.
CultivationPlant in loose, well-draining cactus mix, gravelly or sandy soils in full sun to partial shade.
Notable SpecimensCentennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatDry plains and rocky deserts.
Bark/Stem DescriptionSmooth glabrous succulent flesh covered in a dense coating of wooly, hair-like fibres. Areoles present, 2 - 3 mm in diameter with small spines.
Colour DescriptionCovered in a dense coating of tan to creamy white hair-like fibres. Deep green to medium green succulent bark.
Texture DescriptionSoft, thorny.

Photographs