Haageocereus lanugispinus forma cristata
 It is a beautiful crested plant often found in collections with its older name Pygmaeocereus densiaculeatus.
 

Description: The typical Haageocereus lanugispinus (Pygmaeocereus densiaculeatus)  is a small finger sized sprawling cactus spreading from its base with most unusual dense, plumose, short, glassy white spines  which detach very easily. The crested form is less rare than the normal plant, and it is particularly sought after for its white glassy cover of spines.   Also this crest stay quite small, making a fascinating specimen.
However the crested form sometimes throws off normal stems, but they proved to be particularly difficult to root, for this reason the few plants found in specialized cactus collections are - usually - grafted.
 

Scientific name: Haageocereus lanugispinus F. Ritter
In: Kakteen in Südamerika, 4: 1395-1396 (figs. 1276, 1279-1280) 1981

Origin:  North of Pativilca, Ancash-Lima - Peru (South America) 2000-2500 m.

Conservation status: Listed in CITES appendix 2.

Common Names include: No common names.

Etymology: From Latin "lanugo" = "wool-like surface" and "spina" = "spine" for its downy spinination.

Synonyms:

• Pygmaeocereus densiaculeatus Backbg.1963
• Arthrocereus densiaculeatus

Photo & © copyright by Jürgen Menzel
 

Cultivation: This mountain cactus  necessitate deep pots and a well drained mineral potting mix.
Need a sufficient amount of air.  They are susceptible to overwatering,  but need enough water during vegetation. They tolerate light frost -5 (-10) °C. Need to be kept in a cool place during winter rest this is important for the flowers as well as for their health. Without this cool winter period they normally wont get many buds.  Need a good amount of sun.

Propagation:  Usually propagated by grafting . Grafted plants in culture are most common  and sprout strongly. But it is also feasible to root them but they grow much slower on their own roots.