


Oreocereus maximus
🌵 Description
Growth Habit: A slow-growing, columnar cactus that can reach heights up to 3 meters (10 feet) .aboutsucculents.com+3succulentsonline.com.au+3en.wikipedia.org+3
Stem: Thick, erect, and cylindrical, measuring 8–12 cm in diameter. The stems are densely covered with long, silky white hairs, especially near the tips, giving the plant its "old man" appearance .aboutsucculents.com+3llifle.com+3succulentsonline.com.au+3
Ribs and Spines: Typically features 10 to 25 vertical ribs adorned with long, sharp spines that can be yellow to reddish-brown in color .en.wikipedia.org
Flowers: Produces tubular to funnel-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, or violet, which emerge near the shoot tips and open during the day .en.wikipedia.org
🌱 Cultivation and Care
Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. While it can tolerate intense sunlight, providing some protection during the hottest part of the day is beneficial .giromagicactusandsucculents.com
Watering: Requires minimal watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during the winter months .
Soil: Prefers well-draining, gritty soil. A cactus or succulent mix is ideal .
Temperature: Frost-tolerant down to approximately -12°C (10°F), making it suitable for cooler climates .aboutsucculents.com+1desert-tropicals.com+1
🌸 Notable Features
Protective Hairs: The dense white hairs not only give the plant its distinctive look but also protect it from intense sunlight and extreme temperatures .succulentsonline.com.au+3en.wikipedia.org+3cactus-guide.com+3
Ornamental Appeal: Its unique appearance and vibrant flowers make it a popular choice among cactus enthusiasts and collectors.
🌵 Description
Growth Habit: A slow-growing, columnar cactus that can reach heights up to 3 meters (10 feet) .aboutsucculents.com+3succulentsonline.com.au+3en.wikipedia.org+3
Stem: Thick, erect, and cylindrical, measuring 8–12 cm in diameter. The stems are densely covered with long, silky white hairs, especially near the tips, giving the plant its "old man" appearance .aboutsucculents.com+3llifle.com+3succulentsonline.com.au+3
Ribs and Spines: Typically features 10 to 25 vertical ribs adorned with long, sharp spines that can be yellow to reddish-brown in color .en.wikipedia.org
Flowers: Produces tubular to funnel-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, or violet, which emerge near the shoot tips and open during the day .en.wikipedia.org
🌱 Cultivation and Care
Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. While it can tolerate intense sunlight, providing some protection during the hottest part of the day is beneficial .giromagicactusandsucculents.com
Watering: Requires minimal watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during the winter months .
Soil: Prefers well-draining, gritty soil. A cactus or succulent mix is ideal .
Temperature: Frost-tolerant down to approximately -12°C (10°F), making it suitable for cooler climates .aboutsucculents.com+1desert-tropicals.com+1
🌸 Notable Features
Protective Hairs: The dense white hairs not only give the plant its distinctive look but also protect it from intense sunlight and extreme temperatures .succulentsonline.com.au+3en.wikipedia.org+3cactus-guide.com+3
Ornamental Appeal: Its unique appearance and vibrant flowers make it a popular choice among cactus enthusiasts and collectors.