Care and maintenance of Cephalocereus – Oudeman cactus

The Cephalocereus , commonly known as the old man cactus , is a striking plant that gets its name from the white hairs that give it an almost human appearance. Native to the dry and rocky regions of Mexico, this cactus is not only an interesting addition to any plant collection, but is also relatively easy to care for. With its unique appearance and minimal care requirements, the Cephalocereus is an excellent choice for cactus lovers.

The old man cactus thrives best in a spot with lots of sunlight. Place it on a south-facing windowsill where it gets at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. Too little light can cause growth to stagnate or the cactus to lose its compact shape. It can also be placed outside during the warmer months, but make sure it is not exposed to excessive rain or humidity.

Watering this cactus is simple: less is more. Water only when the soil has dried out completely, usually once every three to four weeks in spring and summer, and even less often in fall and winter. Overwatering is the biggest enemy of the Cephalocereus , as it can lead to root rot. Make sure the pot contains well-draining cactus soil and that excess water can drain easily.

During the growing season (spring and summer) you can fertilize the cactus monthly with a cactus fertilizer that is rich in potassium and phosphorus. Avoid fertilizing in the fall and winter, because the plant is in a dormant period.

The white hairs of the old man cactus act as a natural sunscreen in its native habitat, but they can collect dust in a home environment. You can gently clean these with a soft brush to keep the plant clean and healthy. Pruning is rarely necessary unless there are damaged or dead areas.