Espostoa lanata-Peruvian Old Man Cactus – CactusWarehouse
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Espostoa lanata-Peruvian Old Man Cactus

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$24.95
Size

Plant facts

SunlightFull sun to partial shade
WaterLow water. Only when soil is fully dry
USDA zones9-11 (not frost hardy), hardy to about 30F
Care levelEasy Care
Mature sizeA columnar cactus covered in white woolly hairs. In habitat/outdoors it can reach very tall, up to about 20 ft, branching with age. In a pot indoors it stays far smaller and slower, usually a manageable column of a few feet that rarely reaches full mature size.
Time to matureGrows fairly quickly when young, then slows markedly after about 2 years and as it matures. Reaching full tree height takes many years and generally only happens in the ground, not in pots.
PetsNon-toxic to pets, Non-toxic to cats, Non-toxic to dogs
LivesIndoors or outdoors
Ships asRooted plant, bare root, no pot or soil
What to expect in the box

After arrival

Unpack gently and avoid pulling on the wool. Place in bright light or near a south-facing window. Allow the cactus to rest for 2–3 days before the first watering so roots can adjust to the new soil.

Transplant tip

Use a gritty, sharply draining cactus mix in a container just slightly wider than the plant’s base. Keep the stem above the soil line to protect its wool. After transplanting, wait 5–7 days before watering lightly.

Cacti can look slightly dull after a few days in a dark box. Color returns within a week or two of bright light. If your area drops below 40F, we recommend adding a heat pack to your order, as one is not automatically included.

Espostoa lanata (Peruvian Old Man Cactus)

A tall, columnar cactus wrapped in soft, woolly white fibers that give it a distinctive “fuzzy” appearance. Its gentle texture and vertical form make it a striking statement plant for bright indoor spaces or warm outdoor climates.

Sun: Bright sun to partial sun
Water: Allow soil to fully dry
Zones: 9–11

  • Iconic Andean cactus known for its dense, silky white hair

  • Naturally grows in upright columns, often forming multiple stems over time

  • Younger plants are especially fluffy, with fine spines hidden beneath the wool

  • Adds dramatic height and soft texture to any cactus collection

  • Slow-growing and low-maintenance once established

  • Can reach several feet tall with age


What you’ll receive:

A healthy, rooted Espostoa lanata shipped bare-root. Available in size is 4"- 6". No pot or soil included; natural variations in wool density may be present.


Cold Weather Warning

If your area drops below 40°F during the colder months, we highly recommend adding a heat pack to your order, as we don’t automatically include one. This helps keep your plants safe in transit. 🌡️❄️

👉 [Buy Heat Packs Here]

Product Details

Cactus Features

Growth Habit: Columnar, woolly
Mature Size: Several feet tall with age
Light: Bright, direct sun
Water: Low, let it dry out
Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11 (not frost hardy)
Pet Safe: Non-toxic (fine spines under the wool)
Native To: Peruvian Andes

Cactus Care

After Arrival
Unpack gently and do not pull on the wool. Place it in bright light and let it rest 2 to 3 days before the first watering.

Light
Bright, direct sun. Set it near a south-facing window indoors. The wool shields it from sun, but still move it outdoors gradually so it does not scorch.

Water
Low. Water only when the soil is completely dry, then soak and let it drain fully. Cut back hard in fall and winter.

Soil and Pots
Use a gritty, sharply draining cactus mix in a pot with a drainage hole. Keep the stem above the soil line to protect the wool.

Temperature
Happiest from 60 to 85 F. Keep it above freezing and protect it from frost.

Keeping the wool white
Water at the base rather than overhead and keep it dust-free. The wool naturally yellows a little with age.

Shipping & Guarantee

At Cactus Warehouse, we take pride in shipping the healthiest, hand-selected cacti straight from our nursery in Fallbrook, CA. All our cacti are hardgrown and carefully checked to ensure you get the best.

  • Schedule: Orders ship on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
  • Delivery Time: Most orders arrive within 3–5 business days once shipped.
  • Rates: Free shipping on orders $99+ (Continental US). Orders under $99 ship for a flat $9.95.
  • Carriers: We ship via UPS and USPS with full tracking

  • Safe Packaging: Each cactus is wrapped in protective kraft paper to reduce movement. During cold weather, you have the option to add heat packs to keep your plants safe.
  • Care Instructions: Every package includes simple, step-by-step care instructions so you know exactly what to do after arrival.
  • 30-Day Happiness Guarantee: If your cactus doesn’t arrive healthy and happy, we’ll make it right. Email us at info@cactuswarehouse.com and we’ll take care of you.

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