Also known as Cotton-Ball Cactus · Cottonball Cactus · New Old-Man Cactus
Espostoa lanata, the Cotton Ball Cactus, is a columnar cactus native to the Andes, recognized by its dense white woolly covering, protecting it from sun and frost.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright Indirect Light
75% intensity
Prefers full sun to partial shade. Protect from intense midday sun to prevent scorching.
Infrequent
25% intensity
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce drastically in winter.
Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
50% intensity
Warm to Moderate
50% intensity
Ideal range is 20-28°C during the day. Can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 5°C if kept dry.
Low
25% intensity
Feed sparingly with diluted cactus fertilizer during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, typically once every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring/summer).
Reduce watering significantly in autumn and winter, allowing the soil to dry out between infrequent waterings to prevent root rot. Ensure good drainage.
Pruning is generally not necessary for Espostoa lanata as it grows slowly and maintains a pleasing columnar shape. If a stem becomes damaged or diseased, carefully remove it with a clean, sharp knife or shear to maintain the plant's health and appearance.
Propagation is best achieved through stem cuttings. Allow cuttings to callus over for several days before planting in well-draining cactus mix.
Roots typically form within a few weeks to months in warm conditions with indirect light.
Repot Espostoa lanata every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. Use a gritty, well-draining cactus potting mix. Repot in spring before the active growing season begins.
Handle with care to avoid the woolly spines.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cotton Ball Cactus (Espostoa lanata)
Where Cotton Ball Cactus (Espostoa lanata) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Espostoa |
| Species | Espostoa lanata |
Similar in genus Espostoa
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
