{"product_id":"peruvian-old-man-cactus-espostoa-lanata","title":"Espostoa lanata – Old Man Cactus","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSoft and woolly from top to bottom, \u003ci\u003eEspostoa lanata\u003c\/i\u003e is a truly huggable-looking cactus – but don’t be fooled! Its white, cottony hairs conceal fine, stiff spines beneath. This slow-growing, single-column cactus adds a charming vertical accent to any bright space and thrives with neglect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eEspostoa lanata\u003c\/i\u003e (lanata = “woolly”)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSynonyms\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eSometimes confused with \u003ci\u003eCephalocereus senilis\u003c\/i\u003e (a separate species from Mexico)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eOld Man Cactus (Peruvian), Woolly Cactus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eAndean slopes of Peru and southern Ecuador\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eRequires bright, direct light for several hours daily. South- or west-facing windows are ideal. Rotate regularly for even growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eLet soil dry out completely between waterings. Water deeply every 2–4 weeks in summer, and once a month or less in winter. Avoid getting the wool wet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eVery low humidity preferred. Excellent airflow helps prevent rot in dense wool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePlant in a gritty cactus mix with good drainage. Never use moisture-retentive compost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed monthly in spring and summer with cactus fertiliser. No feed needed in winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePrefers 18–28°C. Tolerates down to 5°C if kept dry. Not frost-hardy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNo – the spines can injure and the plant is mildly toxic if ingested.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eTo keep the wool clean, dust with a dry brush rather than misting or wiping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eExtras\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eRarely flowers indoors but may form a cephalium with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid You Know?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eEspostoa lanata\u003c\/i\u003e’s thick coat reflects UV light, protecting the plant from sunburn at high altitudes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"5cm","offer_id":43875933061373,"sku":"CF2604","price":5.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"12cm","offer_id":43875933094141,"sku":"CF2605","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/products\/peruvian-old-man-cactus-espostoa-lanata-616407.jpg?v=1681940051","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.live\/products\/peruvian-old-man-cactus-espostoa-lanata","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}