Pilosocereus Species, Old Man Cactus, Old Man of Mexico, Tuno, Woolly Torch
Pilosocereusleucocephalus

Family: Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus: Pilosocereus (pil-oh-so-KER-ee-us)
Species: leucocephalus

Synonym:Pilosocereus sartorianus

Synonym:Pilosocereus cometes

Synonym:Pilosocereus maxonii

Synonym:Cephalocereus maxonii

Synonym:Cephalocereus leucocephalus

Category

Cactus and Succulents

Water Requirements

Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure

Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage

Unknown

Foliage Color

Unknown

Height

4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)
10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m)
12-15 ft. (3.6-4.7 m)
15-20 ft. (4.7-6 m)

Spacing

24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)

Hardiness

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

Pale Pink

Bloom Characteristics

Unknown

Bloom Size

Unknown

Bloom Time

Mid Summer

Other details

Unknown

Soil pH requirements

6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)

Patent Information

Non-patented

Propagation Methods

From woody stem cuttings
From softwood cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting

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