Epostoa lanata (Peruvian Old Man Cactus, Peruvian Snowball Cactus, Cotton Ball Cactus)
Botanical Information
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Epostoa |
| Species | lanata |
| Synonyms | Cactus lanatus (basionym), Cephalocereus dautwitzii, Cereus dautwitzii, Cereus lanatus, Cereus sericatus, Cleistocactus lanatus, Espostoa dautwitzii, Espostoa sericata, Oreocereus lanatus, Pilocereus dautwitzii, Pilocereus lanatus |
| Category | Perennials, Tropicals |
| Origin | Southern Ecuador and Northern Peru on the west slopes of the Andes mountains. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 10a - 10 b |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cool season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H2 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | 1 - 5 |
| Temperature (°F) | 34 - 40 |
| Height | 3 - 7 m |
| Spread | 0.18 m |
| Growth | Slow |
| Flowering Period | May, June |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | Columnar cactus with spines and white wooly hairs. |
| Shape | Quite varied in size and number of spines, known by many names because of this variation. Only branches after several years. |
| Cultivation | Prefers full sun and well drained soil. In summer, fertilizer and wetter conditions are preferred. In winter, it requires rest but the temperature cannot fall below freezing. |
| Notable Specimens | Centennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. |
| Bark/Stem Description | There are 18 to 25 ribs. |
| Flower Description | Nocturnal flowers, up to 5 cm in diameter. |
Photographs
Epostoa lanata, form at the Centennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Epostoa lanata, a mature plant at theCentennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Epostoa lanata, seedling at the Centennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
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