{"product_id":"espostoa-melanostele-peruvian-old-man-cactus","title":"Espostoa melanostele – Peruvian Old Man Cactus","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eColumnar, woolly, and deceptively spiky, \u003ci\u003eEspostoa melanostele\u003c\/i\u003e combines softness and strength. Beneath its white fuzz lie clusters of dark spines, evolved to protect the plant from harsh sun and grazing animals in its Andean homeland. A stunning vertical grower that may develop a cephalium in maturity, it thrives in bright, dry conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eEspostoa melanostele\u003c\/i\u003e (melanostele = “black column”)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSynonyms\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eSometimes sold as \u003ci\u003ePseudoespostoa melanostele\u003c\/i\u003e in cultivation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePeruvian Old Man Cactus, Cotton Pole Cactus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eAndes of Peru – arid, high-elevation slopes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eBright light with several hours of direct sun daily. Ideal on a south- or west-facing windowsill. Supplement with grow lights in darker months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eWater when soil is fully dry – usually every 2–3 weeks in summer. Water sparingly in winter. Always water at soil level; avoid wetting the fuzz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eLow humidity preferred. Needs good airflow. Avoid damp or steamy rooms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eUse a very free-draining cactus mix with added grit or perlite. Ensure pot has drainage holes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a cactus feed. No feeding in winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePrefers 20–28°C. Can tolerate down to 5°C if dry. Keep frost-free.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNo – spiny and mildly toxic if ingested.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThat soft-looking fuzz hides sharp spines! Always handle with gloves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eExtras\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eMay form a cephalium – a dense woolly flowering area – on mature plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid You Know?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe fuzzy outer layer helps reflect sunlight and trap a layer of still air, reducing moisture loss in the harsh mountain sun.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"5.5cm","offer_id":56990848090493,"sku":"3870722268571","price":5.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"12cm","offer_id":56990848123261,"sku":"5870722268571","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/files\/espostoa-melanostele-peruvian-old-man-cactus-1399148.jpg?v=1759232421","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.pro\/products\/espostoa-melanostele-peruvian-old-man-cactus","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}