Oreocereus Species, Chastudo, Old Man of the Andes, Viejito
Oreocereusleucotrichus

Family: Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus: Oreocereus (or-ee-oh-KER-ee-us)
Species: leucotrichus (loo-koh-TRY-kus)

Synonym:Borzicactus hendriksenianus

Synonym:Borzicactus leucotrichus

Synonym:Oreocereus hendriksenianus

Synonym:Oreocereus ritteri

Category

Cactus and Succulents

Water Requirements

Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping

Sun Exposure

Full Sun

Foliage

Unknown

Foliage Color

Unknown

Height

36-48 in. (90-120 cm)

Spacing

12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)

Hardiness

USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Where to Grow

Can be grown as an annual

Danger

Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color

Red

Bloom Characteristics

Unknown

Bloom Size

Unknown

Bloom Time

Late Spring/Early Summer

Other details

Unknown

Soil pH requirements

6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information

Non-patented

Propagation Methods

From woody stem cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost

Seed Collecting

Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored