old man cactus
Cephalocereus senilis
USDA zones9 to 11
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size3 to 40 feet tall12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Columnar
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Yellow, red, white
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Old man cactus (Cephalocereus senilis) is a columnar succulent for specimen plantings, containers, rock gardens, and xeriscape. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 9 and warmer, down to about 20°F (-7°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes full sun and dry to moist, sandy or loamy soil. It grows slowly, stays evergreen, and tolerates drought. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits. Yellow, red, or white flowers can appear in any season.
Pairs well with American century plant, Narrow-leaf chalksticks, and Stonecrop.
Native range
North Eastern Mexico to Veracruz.