Actual size and flowering may vary slightly based on season.
Woolly Torch
Woolly Torch is a branching column cactus from southern Mexico and Central America, named for the thick white wool that grows near the tops of its stems. Over time it forms a tall clump of columns that can reach 13 to 20 feet. Older plants open whitish to light pink flowers at night near the woolly tips, followed by red fruit. It makes a bold accent in a large pot or a frost-protected spot in the yard.
Best for: a bold accent in a large pot, a frost-protected spot near the house, and covered patios where it can stay out year round.
It grows well in a large pot, which makes it easy to shelter from frost. A covered patio or veranda gives extra protection in winter.
In the ground, plant it under a tree canopy or near a covered patio, which adds a few degrees of frost protection. Plan for a tall clump of branching columns over time.
The wool gets thicker where the flowers form near the stem tips. Older plants open whitish to light pink flowers at night, followed by red fruit.
It is not frost resistant, and the growing tips are the most tender part. Cold, wet soil causes rot, so water lightly outside the warm months.
Wait about a week after planting before the first water. Then water every other week while nights stay above 60°F. In cooler weather, water only after two to four weeks without rain.
Water regularly from late spring to early fall and let the soil dry between soaks. Water only lightly the rest of the year, since cold, wet soil causes rot.
Plant it with the same side facing the sun as in the nursery. Cover a new plant with light shade cloth its first summer, then remove it.
It is not frost resistant. On frost nights, put a foam cup on top of each stem, which can stay on for several weeks, or move potted plants under cover.
Drainage test first. Dig the hole and fill it with water. If water is still sitting in the hole a day later, you likely hit caliche, clay or hard soil, so fix the drainage before planting. If it drains very fast, the soil is sandy. Standing water around roots is a common reason new plants fail.
Weed cloth. Cut it away from the planting hole and where the roots will spread. Remove any plastic sheeting completely, since it keeps water and air out of the soil.
Rock or decomposed granite with no soil underneath. Bring in soil close in texture to your native soil, mix it with the soil below, and build up enough depth for roots before planting.
If you can break through. Use a breaker bar, pick, or jackhammer. Dig through the caliche and break out the solid chunks. Backfill with the soil you dug out, with no compost or manure in the hole. Confirm drainage before planting.
If you cannot break through. Dig narrow holes through the hard layer beside the root ball, not under it, and refill them with the same soil, not gravel. If it still will not drain, plant on a low mound of the same soil.
Root ball. Check the outside edges for any roots circling around. Loosen or cut those so they grow outward. Do not break up the center of the root ball.
Depth. The top of the root ball should sit at or just slightly above the surrounding soil level. Planting too deep can lead to rot and kill the plant.
Drip emitters. At planting, put the emitters on the root ball, on different sides of the plant. After about 2 months, move them to the outer edge of the root ball. Over the first year, add emitters farther out toward the edge of the branches as roots grow. Once a plant is rooted, never water only at the trunk.
Why is it called Woolly Torch?
Thick white wool grows near the tops of the stems, where the flowers form. The wool gets denser as the plant matures, so older plants look the most woolly.
How big does Woolly Torch get?
It branches into a clump of columns that can reach 13 to 20 feet over many years. Give it room to grow tall if you plant it in the ground.
How cold can Woolly Torch take?
It handles about 28°F, and it is not frost resistant. On frost nights, put a foam cup on top of each stem to protect the growing tip, or move a potted plant under cover.
How often should I water it?
Water regularly from late spring to early fall, letting the soil dry between soaks. The rest of the year, water only lightly to avoid rot.
Does it need full sun?
It grows in full sun or light shade. Shade a new plant lightly its first summer so it does not sunburn.
Can I grow Woolly Torch in a pot?
Yes, it grows well in large pots. A pot also lets you move it to a covered patio when frost is on the way.
When does Woolly Torch bloom?
Older plants open whitish to light pink flowers at night near the woolly tips. Each flower lasts less than a day, so check the plant early in the morning.
Is Woolly Torch the same as Old Man of Mexico?
Woolly Torch is sometimes called old man of Mexico, but it is a different cactus from Cephalocereus senilis. Check the botanical name on the tag to know which one you have.
Woolly Torch for sale in Arizona, delivered to you
Woolly Torch (Pilosocereus leucocephalus, long sold as Cephalocereus or Pilosocereus palmeri) is a branching column cactus with white wool near its tips. Below is what to expect in a Valley yard or pot, from size and water to frost care and flowers.
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Woolly Torch cactus in Phoenix
Woolly Torch is a branching column cactus with thick white wool near its stem tips. It grows outdoors in the Valley in frost-protected spots and does well in large pots.
How big Woolly Torch gets
Over many years it can form a clump of columns 13 to 20 feet tall. The wool gets thicker as the plant matures and starts to flower.
Frost care for Woolly Torch
It handles about 28°F and is not frost resistant. Cap each stem tip with a foam cup on frost nights, or move a potted plant under cover.
Watering Woolly Torch
Water regularly from late spring to early fall and let the soil dry between soaks. Water lightly the rest of the year.
Woolly Torch flowers
Older plants open whitish to light pink flowers at night near the woolly tips. Red fruit follows, and birds eat it.
Woolly Torch vs Old Man of Mexico
Woolly Torch is sometimes sold as old man of Mexico, but it is a different cactus from Cephalocereus senilis. Woolly Torch branches into a clump, while Cephalocereus senilis usually grows as a single hairy column.
We deliver across the Valley, from Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa out to San Tan Valley, Maricopa and Casa Grande, and up to Prescott, Sedona, Payson and Globe. See delivery areas and rates.