When learning to care for Old Man Cactus, the most important part is following our steps carefully. The cactus gets its name thanks to the long, white hair-like that stands out of the spiked column that makes up the whole plant. As with most cacti, the Old Man Cactus is one of the easier cactuses to care for, especially when you follow our steps.
Picture via cactuslimon
Where To Place Old Man Cactus
Begin by finding a spot in your home with as much light as possible. I would suggest placing your plant in a South-facing window. Think of the window gets a lot of suns. The more suited the window is. If you manage to give the plant enough light, the thicker and longer their hairs will be.
Is Old Man Cactus Winter Dormant
Encourage the old man cactus to become winter dormant so that it will thrive better. The reason for this is that in the winter, there is less light that would help promote growth meaning your plant could become weak and undesirable. When your plant is placed in a colder climate, it will not grow to its fullest potential. The ideal temperatures should be between 10 to 15 °C (50 – 65°F) so that your plant will survive better.
How To Water Old Man Cactus
When watering the cactus, be sure to wait at least several days before watering again. A good rule of thumb is waiting for the soil to dry out completely. One of the most common reasons why the Old Man Cactus dies is because people tend to over-water their plants. You mustn’t water your succulent when you feel the soil is still wet. A great idea would be planting your succulent in well-draining succulent soil.
How To Repot Old Man Cactus
When you need to report your succulent, be sure that the next pot is only one size larger. The Old Man Cactus is a slow-growing cactus, so it might take several years for your plant to grow up a pot size. When you finally repot, be sure to use change the soil as well.
What To Know About Old Man Cactus
When caring for the hairs from the Old Man Cactus wait until your cactus hairs become slightly brown or dirty. Next, you should clean the hairs with water and detergent. Be sure to mix the solution thoroughly before applying the mixture to the hairs, then brush and rinse with plain water. Make sure that you cover the mixture with a thin sheet of plastic so that the detergent does not leak into the soil. Another way to do it would be to accept that your cactus will change their look and don’t clean.
Picture via laidbackgardener
Old Man Cactus Care Guide
The Old Man Cactus can easily be planted indoors or outdoors, depending on where you live. The ideal temperature is in zone 9 and 10. Known to be native to Mexico, the plant thrives on warm, dry air with enough sunlight. The long hairs you notice standing out of the plant are there to cool the plant down. As the plant grows, it will grow slowly if planted in a pot while when grown outdoors, it can reach up to 13m (45 feet). Most people prefer growing the Old Man Cacti indoor, where it will stay small and easy to care for. Indoor cactus will need a southern facing window with temperatures of around 18°C (65°F). Be sure that during the winter period the temperatures around the plant are approximately 18°C (65°F).
