Origin and Habitat: Oreocereus celsianus is widely spread at high altitudes in Argentina (prov. Jujuy), Bolivia (dpt. Chuquisaca, Potosí, Tarija) and Peru. The species is common and abundant.
Altitude: 8,530-13,123 ft (2,600-4,000 m) above sea level.
Habitat: It occurs naturally in semi-arid Andean region in scattered sites on rocky, well-drained soils among high mountains, mostly in slopes with orientation to the east and north. It is often the only emerging plants between the low Xerophyte Puna-Vegetation. It flourishes in areas characterized by a cold and dry climate in winter and warm with rare rainfalls in summer
Ecology: It is believed that the white hairs provide protection from the intense ultraviolet light of the higher altitudes and is also equipped with "antifreeze chemicals" in its sap that make it somewhat frost resistant. The particularly structured flowers are pollinated by the largest of the hummingbirds (Patagona gigas). There are no major threats to this species.

Cultivation and Propagation: This is a a much decorative frost hardy cactus easily found in cultivation.
Soil: Grow it in a rich and particularly draining substratum, as it is very sensitive to rottenness when in presence of humidity and low temperatures and let the soil dry out between waterings.
Water: In summer, during the vegetative period, it must be regularly watered, but allowing the substratum to completely dry up before irrigating again; in winter, it’s to be kept dry. Preferable not to water on overcast days, humid days or cold winter days.
Hardiness: This is the hardiest of the woolly columnar 'old man' cacti from the highland of Bolivia, Peru & northern Argentina that grow at an altitude of up to 13,120 ft (4,000 m). It is a very frost resistant cactus, hardy to 19/10°F (-7/-12°C), -4°F (-20°C) if very dry. However in cultivation it is better not to expose it to temperatures lower than 23°F (-5°C), even if in an aerated and protected location, in order to avoid the formation of anti-aesthetic spots on the epidermis. In presence of high atmospheric humidity avoid any frost as it is particularly sensitive to root rot.
Exposure: It need full sun exposures with ample airflow to produce dense hairs, but, as a former mountain dweller, does not care for extremely high temperatures in summer.
Maintenance: Repot in the spring, when their roots become cramped. Generally, they should be repotted every other year in order to provide fresh soil. After repotting, do not water for a week or more.
Use: Excellent as landscape or patio plant. It is suitable for small “desert” gardens, in association with other xerophytes. Where the open air cultivation is not possible due to the climate, it is to be cultivated in pot in order to shelter it in winter.
Propagation: By seeds and by cuttings, provided left drying up well, in summer.