cephalocereus senilis - Old Man Cactus
cephalocereus senilis - Old Man Cactus
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📝 Description
Morphological Characteristics
Cephalocereus senilis is a distinctive columnar cactus known for its long, white, hair-like spines that resemble an old man’s beard—hence the common name “Old Man Cactus.” This striking feature serves both as a visual novelty and as protection from the sun in its arid native habitat.
The cactus itself has a tall, cylindrical stem with 10–20 shallow ribs, typically blue-green to grayish-green in color. Each stem can reach over 6 meters (20 feet) in the wild, though in cultivation it usually grows much smaller and more slowly.
The silky white hairs, which can grow several inches long, cover the entire surface of the plant when young. These hairs gradually thin out as the plant matures. Beneath the hairs lie short, sharp yellow or brown central spines, so handling should still be done with care.
Mature plants (usually decades old) may develop a cephalium—a woolly, bristled structure at the top—from which tubular pinkish-red flowers emerge, although flowering in cultivation is rare.
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Growth Habits
Cephalocereus senilis grows slowly and upright, typically as a solitary column but may branch at the base over time. It prefers dry, stable conditions and bright light, making it an excellent structural element in cactus gardens or indoor collections with ample sunlight.
Its fuzzy white coat gives it a whimsical, almost cartoonish character, making it a favorite among collectors and children alike.
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Maintenance Points
• Lighting: Requires full sun to maintain its compact form and healthy hair growth. Indoors, place in the brightest window possible—south-facing is best.
• Watering: Water deeply when soil is dry, especially during warm seasons. In winter, reduce or stop watering entirely to mimic natural dormancy.
• Soil: Needs a very fast-draining, sandy or gritty cactus mix. Add perlite, pumice, or coarse sand for drainage.
• Temperature: Thrives at 20–35°C (68–95°F). Not frost-hardy—protect below 5°C (41°F).
• Fertilization: Use diluted cactus fertilizer once a month during spring and summer. No feeding during dormancy.
• Potting: Use deep pots with excellent drainage. Repot every few years to refresh soil and inspect roots.
• Handling: Though it appears soft, the plant has hidden sharp spines beneath the hairs. Handle with gloves or tongs.
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Display & Use
Cephalocereus senilis excels as a vertical accent plant in xeriscapes, arid-themed gardens, or indoor modern displays. Its dramatic texture and silhouette make it ideal for:
• Tall containers or pedestal pots
• Indoor atriums with bright skylight
• Groupings with barrel cacti, golden echinopsis, and other columnar species
• Children’s gardens or educational exhibits focused on desert ecology
🌿 Care Tips
Plant Care
Light
Water
Soil
Temperature
🌟 Note: It’s normal for succulents to appear slightly shriveled after shipping. They usually recover within a few days in a suitable environment.
📦 Shipping Info
Seah Shipping Policy
Effective Date: November 2025
This Shipping Policy applies to orders delivered within the continental United States (the lower 48 states). By purchasing from Seah, you agree to the terms below.
1) Shipping Cost & Free Shipping
- Automatic rate calculation: Shipping is calculated at checkout based on weight, destination ZIP and carrier rates.
- Free Standard Shipping: Orders $59+ (pre-tax, after discounts) ship free to the lower 48 states.
- Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico & other territories: Not eligible for free shipping or standard flat offers at this time.
- Taxes/Duties: Applicable sales tax and any fees are shown at checkout.
2) Processing Schedule
- Business days only: We process and ship Monday–Friday. No shipping on weekends or U.S. federal holidays.
- Handling time: 1–3 business days after payment confirmation.
- Cut-off time: Orders placed before 3:00 PM (PST) are prioritized for same-day processing; others roll to the next business day.
- Changes/Cancellations: Email support@seah.co within 12 hours of purchase; after that, the order may already be in processing.
3) Transit Times
| Method | Estimated Transit | Total ETA (Handling + Transit) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 5–8 business days | 6–11 business days |
| Express | 3–4 business days | 4–7 business days |
ETAs are estimates. Weather, holidays, carrier delays or high-volume periods may extend delivery times.
4) Seasonal Temperature & Plant Safety
- Winter (Nov–Mar): We strongly recommend adding a heat pack at checkout to protect plants from freezing. Orders shipped without a heat pack during cold conditions are not covered for cold damage.
- Summer heat: During extreme heat waves, we may hold shipments until temperatures normalize. We’ll notify you if there’s a hold.
- Packaging: Plants are carefully packed (bare-root or potted by type/size) to minimize transit stress.
5) Carriers & Tracking
- We ship via USPS / UPS / FedEx, selected automatically for best service to your address.
- When your order ships, you’ll receive a tracking email. Tracking typically activates within 24 hours.
- If you haven’t received tracking within 3 business days, contact us at support@seah.co or +1 (626)-999-1314.
6) Address Changes & Delivery Issues
- Before shipment: Request address changes within 12 hours of ordering.
- After shipment: We can’t modify the address once dispatched. Please contact the carrier for redirection options.
- PO Boxes: Supported for USPS only; UPS/FedEx require a street address.
- Seah isn’t responsible for delays or loss due to incorrect addresses provided at checkout.
7) Service Area
We currently ship to the continental U.S. (lower 48 states). Orders to AK/HI/PR and other territories are not eligible for free shipping and may be restricted.
8) Support
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (PST)
- Phone: +1 (626)-999-1314
- Email: support@seah.co
- Address: 7870 Margaux Pl, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739, United States
Thank you for supporting our California nursery—each plant is hand-selected and packed with care. 🌱
