Oreocereus - Old Man Of The Andes, Old Man Of The Mountains
(Oreoce'reusa)
DESCRIPTION: This group consists of eleven, mostly columnar-shaped cacti found in high altitudes from Peru to Bolivia and Argentina. These attractive cacti are covered in long, white, hair-like spines (which becomes more dense in strong light) to protect them from the mountain cold and hot sun. Hidden in this white down are long, needle-like spines, which may be white, red, or straw-colored. These cacti may form prostrate clusters or erect plants over 10 feet high. After many years, flowers are produced in the summer. O. celsianus (Old Man of the Mountains) forms stout, woolly stems that branch with age. They can grow up to 10 feet high and are covered in red or straw-colored spines. Its purplish-violet flowers are lopsided. O pseudofossulatus has taller and thinner stems than most Oreocereus. They are lightly covered with wool and are armed with red or yellow spines. It branches readily and forms a lax bush. This variety can grow up to 9 feet high with a spread of 3 feet. This species also blooms sooner than other species, producing violet-red flowers after 10 to 15 years. O. doelzianus is an attractive species that forms clumps about 3 feet high and 3 inches in diameter. The bright green stems are covered with downy white areoles from which grow sharp, reddish-brown to yellowish-brown spines. Its tubular-shaped, crimson flowers are about 4 inches long and 1 inch across. These cacti are excellent for growing in containers outside and inside and for using as landscape plants.
POTTING: Oreocereus need a minimum temperature of 45ยบ F. Grow them in rich, porous, sandy soil and let their soil dry out between waterings. Repot in the spring, when their roots become cramped. Generally, they should be repotted every other year in order to provide fresh soil. However, this doesn't necessarily mean they'll need larger pots. Fill about a quarter of the pot with broken crocks, gravel, etc. to promote good drainage. Firm the potting soil. After repotting, do not water for a week or more.
PROPAGATION: Seeds may be sown in containers filled with a general-purpose cactus and succulent potting mix. Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the surface of the compost. Cover the seeds lightly with some grit, moisten the container and place in an area with high humidity and warmth. Transplant the seedlings when they're large enough to handle. Waiting too long until they are overcrowded can result in rot. Gently separate them so as not to damage the delicate roots. Transplanting will be easier if the soil is slightly moist. Seedlings can be potted singly or with a few to a pot. They seem to do better a few together rather than by themselves. Cuttings can be taken of the shoots. Choose a healthy shoot and cut with a sharp, sterile knife. Leave the cutting in a warm, dry place for a couple of days or weeks to allow a callus to form over the wound. Once the callus forms, the cutting may be inserted in a container filled with firmed cactus potting mix topped with a layer of coarse grit. They should be placed in the grit only; this prevents the cut end from becoming too wet and allows the roots to penetrate the rich compost underneath. Basal shoots may also be taken.
VARIETIES: O. pseudofossulatus; O. trollii (Old Man of the Andes); O. celsianus (Old Man of the Mountains); O. henricksenianus & var. densilanatus; O. fossulatus; O. doelzianus.
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