Cacti - Oreocereus Old Man of the Andes Celsianus

Oreocereus celsianus, fondly known as the Old Man of the Andes, is a captivating columnar cactus native to the high-altitude regions of the Andes Mountains in South America. Its most distinctive feature is the thick coat of long, silky white hairs that protect the plant from intense sunlight and extreme temperature changes in its native habitat. Beneath this snowy covering, the stems are ribbed with clusters of sharp reddish-brown spines that add a striking contrast. In maturity, this cactus produces stunning tubular red to orange flowers near the crown, attracting pollinators and adding an unexpected burst of colour.

Special Features:

• Iconic long, white woolly hairs for a distinctive look.

• Red to orange blooms in mature plants.

• Highly drought-tolerant and resilient.

• Perfect for collectors and statement plant displays.

• Naturally adapted to withstand high sun and cooler nights.

Care Tips:

• Light: Full sun outdoors or very bright light indoors.

• Water: Water thoroughly when soil is dry; reduce watering in cooler months. Avoid water sitting around the base.

• Soil: Well-draining cactus mix is essential.

• Temperature: Tolerates cool temperatures but protect from frost.

• Fertiliser: Feed with a cactus fertiliser during the growing season (spring–summer).

The succulent plant housed in the red pot comes in a 130mm diameter container. While the image provides a representative depiction of what you will receive, but may vary slightly because no two succulents are the same. 

Want your succulent with a pot?

We usually ship bare root for freshness and to keep costs low, but we’re happy to pot your plant on request!

Just click here to make your request.

Please note — NT, TAS, WA customers: please contact us before placing your order due to additional quarantine charges associated with these locations.                    View Shipping options