Picture via planetdesert
Basic Info
Oreocereus Trollii is also commonly known as the ‘Old Man of the Mountain’. As the plant matures you can expect it to be a quite small but covered with long brown stems covered with white hairs.
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Genus: Oreocereus
Care and Propagation Information
Watering
Oreocereus Trollii ‘Old Man of the Mountain’ can be quite beautiful when it is well-taken care of. This succulent type needs typical watering as the other succulents. The watering method is very important to keep your Old Man of the Mountain healthy. It should not sit on the water, and an excess amount of water should be avoided. The best way of watering is soak and dry method this succulent. Yet, the succulent should be controlled to avoid overwatering.
General Care for Oreocereus Trollii ‘Old Man of the Mountain’
This succulent type is a beautiful one that blooms in the spring. When it blooms, you will enjoy small flowers. It is a nice addition to your outside garden!
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Quick Facts:
- Prefers full sun
- Can be grown outdoor
- Grows 50-60 cm (19-23″) tall
- Grows up to 5-6 cm (4″) wide
- Can die easily if overwatered see: How to Water Succulent Plants
- Does not handle cold well
- Prefers Zone 7a-11 -1.1 °C (20 F)
- Best propagated by seeds
- Flower is pink violet
Where to Plant
Oreocereus Trollii ‘Old Man of the Mountain’ succulents need strong light. When planting this succulent type in a garden, make sure it gets sunlight. Full to partial sun is the best for its growth. It is better to grow outdoor rather than indoor.
This type of succulent prefers a warm climate. It can survive at zone 7a-11b which is around -1.1 °C (20 °F). If you live in a cold area, it is better to plant Old Man of the Mountain in an indoor environment. As long as it gets enough sunlight, the plant will grow happily.
How to Propagate Oreocereus Trollii ‘Old Man of the Mountain’
Old Man of the Mountain can be propagated by seeds. This succulent type does not require repotting often. Of course, the first-time repotting is essential when it is bought from the store.
Like all the other succulent types, a well-drained soil mixture is essential. If you want to know about well-drained soil mixtures, check How to Prepare Well-drained Soil for Succulent Plants.
How to Propagate Oreocereus Trollii ‘Old Man of the Mountain’ Using Seeds
This succulent type is a slow grower so even if it can be propagated by its seeds, this method is not recommended. To propagate from the seeds, plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture. This method can be used outdoors. In cooler areas, indoor propagating is recommended.
Origin and Habitat
The Old Man of the Mountains is native to South Bolivia (especially around Tarija, Potosí, and Chuquisaca) and North Argentina (around Salta and Jujuy).
