Care of the cacti Austrocylindropuntia vestita or Old Man Opuntia |
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The genus Austrocylindropuntia, family Cactaceae, is composed of 11 species of cacti native to South America. Some species are: Austrocylindropuntia vestita, Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica, Austrocylindropuntia shaferi, Austrocylindropuntia salmiana. Common name: Old Man Opuntia, Cotton Pole, Cotton Coral Cactus. This species is native to northern Argentina and southern Bolivia. They are prostrate cacti whose stem reaches 0.5 meters (19.68") high. The body is deep green but is hidden by the white wool that covers the spines (from 4 to 8). They produce red flowers 3 cm (1.18") in diameter. They bloom in summer. They are used in pots, rockeries and in cactus gardens and succulent plants. Austrocylindropuntia vestita can be grown in a direct or semi-shade exposure. They are able to resist the cold up to 3 ºC (37.4 ºF). As soil a commercial cactus substrate or a mixture of 25% coarse siliceous sand, 25% blond peat, 25% black peat and 25% heather soil can be used. It is important to water moderately, waiting until the soil has completely dried. In winter they should not be watered. Fertilize with cactus mineral fertilizer once in spring and again in summer. No need to prune. They are plants resistant to pests and diseases but sensitive to excess watering. They propagate easily by stem cuttings or by seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the cacti Austrocylindropuntia vestita or Old Man Opuntia |
 Austrocylindropuntia vestita |