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Old Man Cactus, Old Man of Mexico, Cabeza de Viejo
Scientific Name: Cephalocereus senilis (Haw.) Pfeiff.
Synonym: Cactus senilis, Cereus senilis, Pilocereus senilis, Cephalophorus senilis, Cactus bradypus, Echinocactus staplesiae
Family: Cactaceae

Show Larger Picture Cephalocereus senilis seedling

Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: 11-13,21-24 USDA: 9-10 Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 14°F (-10°C) for short periods Minimum Avg. Temperature: 50°F (10°C) Heat Tolerance: Prefers some afternoon shade in the low deserts Sun Exposure: Full sun Origin: Mexico (Hidalgo, Guanajuato) Growth Habits: Slow growing to a large column, seldom ramified, 45 feet tall (11 m) by 18 inches (45 cm) in diameter; 12 to 30 ribs; 1 to 5 central spines, up to 2 inches long (5 cm); 20 to 30 hair-like laterals. Watering Needs: Little to moderate water in summer, almost none in winter, very rot prone particularly when young, needs good drainage Propagation: Seeds, cuttings

Cultural Practices:
In nature, the Cephalocereus reaches 2 feet tall in 20 years, it can be much faster with proper watering and fertilizing. To keep the cactus smaller, the top can be cut in spring, dried for 3 days, and replanted. It is possible to wash the white "hair" with diluted shampoo to keep it white.

Blooming Habits:
The pseudocephalium starts on the side of the stems when they reach 20 feet (6 m). The woolly hair can reach 8 inches or more (20 cm). Eventually the pseudocephalium will cover the top of the stem.
The 2-inch long whitish pink flowers (5 cm), open at night in April. They are followed by pinkish-red fruit, 0.8 to 1.2 inches long (2-3 cm) covered with yellowish hair.