Consulta Plantas

Care of the cactus Eriosyce senilis or Neoporteria senilis

The genus Eriosyce, family Cactaceae, includes 35 species of cactus native to Chile, Peru, and Argentina. Some species are: Eriosyce senilis, Eriosyce paucicostata, Eriosyce napina, Eriosyce esmeraldana, Eriosyce crispa, Eriosyce taltalensis, Eriosyce curvispina.

Scientific synonyms: Echinocactus senilis, Neoporteria senilis. This species is native to central Chile.

They are small cacti with a spherical body that become cylindrical and reach 8 cm (3.14") in height. They have 16-18 ribs with spirally arranged tubercles. The epidermis is greenish-gray in color but is usually hidden by abundant flexible white spines (up to 20 per areola). They produce showy deep pink flowers 5 cm (1.96") in length.

They are only used in pots and planters due to their small size. They are ideal for mini cactus gardens combined with other Eriosyce and Mammillaria species.

Eriosyce senilis needs direct sun exposure. Indoors they should be located next to a window and have good ventilation. In winter the temperature should not be less than 4 ºC (39.2 ºF).

The soil can be a mixture of coarse siliceous sand, vermiculite, and loamy garden substrate. They prefer deep pots because of the napiform root.

Water moderately at the rate of every 10-15 days in spring, every 7 days in summer, every 20-25 days in autumn and do not water in winter.

Fertilize in spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti.

They do not need pruning.

They are sensitive to excess watering and humidity.

They propagate from seeds sown in spring but it's a slow process.

Images of the cactus Eriosyce senilis or Neoporteria senilis