Sun: full sun to partial shade
Water: Typical water needs for a succulent
Temperature: Zone 7b from 5° F to 10° F (-15° C to -12.2° C) to Zone 11b from 45° F to 50° F (7.2° C to 10° C)
Winter Survival: Cold hardy
Propagation: cuttings, seeds
Flower: in the summer
Flower Type: Red-Violet, pink
Toxic: Generally non-toxic to humans and animals
Dormant: winter
Space Requirement: Outdoors
Common Problems: pests
Where to buy Oreocereus trollii?
Basc Care for Oreocereus trollii
Watering
Regular watering period should be every 2 weeks
You can water your succulent more than often in extreme conditions but make sure that the soil is completely dry before watering your succulent again.
Fertilizing
Only feed this succulent during its active growing seasons which means winter. Use the right fertilizer applied in the right amounts. Applying half-strength balanced fertilizer every month or so is recommended for optimal results.
Do not fertilize during winter as the plant is dormant.
Sun & Location Requirements for "old man of the mountain"
Oreocereus trollii requires full sun to partial shade. It's best to keep it in an area of your garden or home that gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight throughout the day. When temperatures are too hot and direct sunlight is too intense, try moving "old man of the mountain" to a shadier spot for part of the day.
As per this succulent profile, it is only able to stay healthy when the environment temperature is above the range of zone 7b from 5° F to 10° F (-15° C to -12.2° C).
Oreocereus trollii is a member of the Oreocereus family and is known for being cold hardy. It is able to survive temperatures down to 0°F, making it an ideal choice for areas with cold winters. The succulent's thick leaves and stems help retain moisture in its cells, allowing it to survive through frigid temperatures. Additionally, the colorful foliage of "old man of the mountain" adds a festive touch to any garden in cold areas.
Any succulents in the group will need a large space to grow. You should place your pot outdoor. Since this plant needs a lot of space than other succulents, you should consider not planting them together with other succulents/plants.
Oreocereus trollii also benefits from some indirect light throughout the day as well, so make sure you give it enough space to soak up light without becoming too exposed to heat.
Propagation
One way to propagate Oreocereus trollii is by cutting
Oreocereus trollii propagates easily from seeds, however it's important to look for healthy ones which are plump, dark in color and slightly sticky when touched. To start the propagation process, mix a soil mixture with well-draining potting mix then sow the seeds evenly and press them lightly into the surface. Finally, water the soil using a spray bottle and place it in bright but indirect light to ensure germination.
Toxicity
Oreocereus trollii is not known to pose any significant health risks, as it is not considered to be toxic. However, it is best to keep the plant away from young children and pets, as they may ingest some of the parts of this plant that could contain toxins which can cause mild skin irritation.
Pests and Diseases
Oreocereus trollii can be affected common pests and diseases like most of the other succulents such as mealybugs and Red spider mites.
If you do spot any of pest signs, you can treat your succulent using below methods.
- Mealybugs: quarantine, clean infected plants, soapy water.
- Red spider mites: Quarantine, clean your infected plants, treatment with a systemic insecticidal/soapy water.
Besides that, to prevent serious health issues from happening, keep your succulent in a well-ventilated area and check it regularly for any signs of pests or health problems.