Old Man Cactus Information

Identification

• The old man cactus plant is tall, tubular and covered with a thick matting of bristly gray hair. The U.S. Botanic Garden explains that the gray hair is an adaptation to protect it from the full sun and heat of its native climate.

Propagation

• According to the Plant Care website, old man cactus cuttings are used to propagate the species. The website recommends drying the cut end before planting the cutting in slightly damp soil. Leave the cutting in the shade and water it infrequently until it takes root.

Care

• Plant the old man cactus in an all-purpose cactus soil mix. Feed the plant every two or three months with a low-nitrogen fertilizer. It prefers 12 to 18 hours of full sunlight and needs little water. Over-watering the plant leaves it susceptible to root rot, according to the University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension.