Oreocereus doelzianus

Native to dry areas, Old man of the Andes does best in full sun, as its native habitat features intense sunlight and very little shade. It can also tolerate partial sun, giving it some flexibility in growth.

Although Old man of the Andes can tolerate some heat, it mainly thrives and grows in the cooler seasons and becomes dormant in summer. In hot summer weather, shade should be provided to avoid leaf scorch from strong sunlight. Watering ought to be reduced or stopped during the hottest part of the year to avoid root rot. Winter and spring are the periods of vigorous growth for Old man of the Andes. Provided temperatures do not fall too low, it will continue to grow steadily.

For Old man of the Andes, light fertilizer applications once or twice a year during the growing season are sufficient. Avoid fertilizing in winter or in summer when it is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before resuming feeding. Fertilizing supports healthy growth and encourages blooms.

Repot the Old man of the Andes in spring or summer, choosing a pot slightly larger than the current one with good drainage. Use a well-draining, sandy or gritty cactus mix. Handle it carefully to avoid its spines. Allow the cactus to dry out before repotting to prevent root rot. After repotting, wait for a week before watering to allow the roots to heal.