Saflax Old Man of the Mountain

This hairy columnar cactus is an eye-catching presence in any garden and gets its name from its resemblance to a bearded old man. This woolly hair protects it from dehydration and cold in winter. In summer, it produces beautiful, purple-coloured flowers.

Our tips:

• Produces new flowers throughout the summer, which open for a single night only
• For sowing, scatter the seeds directly onto moistened potting compost - ideally 75% cactus soil and 25% sand - and do not cover with soil (as they are light germinating)
• Cover the container with cling film to prevent the soil from drying out and poke holes in it for ventilation
• Remove the film every two to three days for about two hours to prevent mould formation
• Place the container in a bright and warm spot at 20 to 25°C
• Keep the soil surface moist but not waterlogged
• Enjoys significant temperature fluctuations
• Can be placed outdoors in summer in a location that is protected from wind and rain
• Water with soft water (low in lime) and avoid waterlogging
• Regular spraying recommended
• Apply liquid cactus fertiliser once a month from March to June
• Do not fertilise during the flowering phase
• Overwinter in a bright, dry, and cold place at 5 to 8°C