How to Care for an Old Man Cacti | Cephalocereus senilis Cactus

The Old Man Cactus (Cephalocereus senilis) is a large, slow-growing columnar cactus that is native to central Mexico. It is known for its distinctive appearance, which is characterized by long, white hairs that cover the entire length of the cactus. The anatomy of the Old Man Cactus is similar to that of other cacti, with a few unique features that contribute to its appearance and function. Stem - The stem of the Old Man Cactus is tall, columnar, and ribbed. It can grow up to 6 meters tall and 25 centimeters in diameter. The stem is covered in dense white hairs, which help to protect the cactus from intense sunlight and provide insulation during cooler periods. Areoles - Areoles are small bumps or structures on the surface of the cactus that produce spines and hairs. In the Old Man Cactus, the areoles are small and often hidden beneath the dense hair cover. They produce white spines that are short and not very sharp. Flowers - The Old Man Cactus produces large, showy flowers that are usually white or pink in color. The flowers are borne at the top of the cactus and are up to 10 centimeters in diameter. They have numerous petals and stamens, and are pollinated by bees and other insects. Roots - The roots of the Old Man Cactus are shallow and widespread, with most of the roots located within the top 20 centimeters of soil. They help to anchor the cactus in place and absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Overall, the anatomy of the Old Man Cactus is similar to that of...