Espostoa - Cotton Ball, Peruvian Old Man, Peruvian Snow Ball, Snowball Cactus

(Esposto'a)

DESCRIPTION: This group consists of sixteen, columnar cacti from the Andes of southern Ecuador and Peru. In their native habitat, they grow in very rocky soil on the sides of steep valleys, but in cultivation, they grow well in any well-drained soil. Most species are clothed in woolly spines through which longer, sharp spines protrude. After 10 to 30 years, when they reach flowering size, a cephalium, or thick beard of white wool forms on one side of the upper stem. Unpleasant smelling, tubular, light-colored flowers grow from this wool, though this is very rare in cultivation. These cacti are very slow growing, although they can eventually reach a tall height. E. lanata (Cotton Ball; Peruvian Old Man Cactus; Snowball Cactus) forms a slender, columnar stem, which eventually branches. This handsome species will gradually grow up to 8 or 9 feet high. It is thinly covered with white wool and short, yellow spines. When it reaches a height of 3 feet, tubular, white flowers will be produced. These are followed by red berries. E. melanostele is shorter and thicker-stemmed than most species in this group. This plant will eventually branch at its base and reach a height of up to 7 feet. When mature, it will be totally covered in long, woolly spines. It takes 15 years for its light-colored flowers and yellow to red berries to grow. Take special care not to overwater this species.

POTTING: Espostoas need a minimum temperature of 45º F. Grow them in very well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid overwatering because the roots are liable to rot.

PROPAGATION: Seeds can be sown in the spring or summer in well-drained pots of sandy soil that are half-filled with crocks. Make sure the surface is evenly smooth and sow the seeds thinly on top. Cover them with a bit of fine soil. Moisten and lay a piece of glass across the top. The pots should be set in a warm greenhouse or sunny window until they start to sprout after which the glass should be removed so they can receive full light and air. It isn't good to keep the glass over the seedlings, so if some of them are up before others, they may be pricked out and placed in another pot. The transplanted seedlings should not be disturbed until they are well rooted after which they can be planted separately in small pots.

VARIETIES: E. lanata; E. melanostele; E. ulei.

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