Cereus Peruvianus, famously known as the Peruvian Apple Cactus, is an aesthetically pleasing and water-wise plant that not only adds beauty to your garden but also produces delicious, edible fruits.
Referred to more commonly as Cereus repandus today, this plant makes a distinctive addition to any landscape with its tall, spiky appearance, and minimal maintenance requirements.
The Peruvian Apple Cactus, as it’s called, surprises many with its edible fruits known as Peruvian apples, which serve as a source of food for both humans and local bird species in its native regions.
Discover how to cultivate, nurture, and harvest from this stunning yet underappreciated cactus, aiming to raise awareness and popularity of this plant among garden enthusiasts worldwide.
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Quick Care Guide
| Common Name(s) | Apple cactus, Peruvian torch, column cactus, hedge cactus, screw cactus plant |
| Scientific Name | Cereus peruvianus or Cereus repandus |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade with bright light |
| Water | Water thoroughly during the active growth phase, allow the soil to dry between watering, minimal watering during winter |
| Soil | Well-drained cactus soil with a high sand content |
| Fertilizer | Slow-release fertilizer throughout the growing season |
| Pests & Diseases | Scale, mealybugs, root rot |
All About Cereus Peruvianus
Hailing from South America, this cactus stands out for its tremendous height, often reaching over 30′ (10m) naturally and up to 110′ (34m) with human assistance. Despite being a tall grower, no wild cactus in South America surpasses 82′ (25m), making the screw cactus one of the tallest globally.
The tree-like form features a cylindrical stem with distinct ribs, growing 4-8″ (10-20cm) wide. While often an ornamental plant, its fruits are both tasty and consumable.
Named the “night-blooming cereus cactus,” it showcases large, cream to white flowers that bloom for just one night, offering a brief but enchanting sight.
Its thornless fruits, known as Peruvian apples or pitaya, exhibit hues ranging from violet-red to yellow. The small, white, and crunchy-seeded interior provides a delectable eating experience.
Cereus Peruvianus Varieties
Monstrosus is also known as the curiosity plant or Monstrose Apple Cactus, it is a mutant variety that grows shorter but with thick stems and large, juicy fruits in Hardiness Zones 9-11, making it an ideal choice for ornamental and water-wise gardens.
Cereus Peruvianus Care
Peruvian apple cactus care is relatively straightforward due to its cactus nature. It can even thrive as an indoor houseplant, albeit at a slower pace, adding charm to your living space.
For outdoor growth, ensure it receives ample sunlight, preferably 8+ hours of full sun daily. It thrives in desert-like conditions, so maintain dry, well-draining soil, beneficial for optimal growth.
Light and Temperature
Provide your night-blooming cereus cacti with abundant sunlight, a south-facing window indoors, or full sun outdoors, as it thrives in bright light conditions. Shield it from extreme cold below 18°F using frost blankets, especially in frost-prone regions.
Water and Humidity
Water your Peruvian cactus moderately during active growth, reducing as winter approaches. Allow the soil to dry out between watering to avoid waterlogging. Maintain humidity levels of 30-50% and adjust watering frequency accordingly.
Soil
Opt for well-draining cactus soil with a pH range of 5-7, enhancing drainage with sand if needed. Refrain from over-fertilizing as cacti store nutrients internally, eliminating the need for regular feeding.
Fertilizing Peruvian Cacti
During the growing season, apply slow-release organic fertilizer sparingly to support growth. Repot as needed to accommodate increased growth, refreshing the soil mix with fertilizer. Avoid fertilization outside the active growth periods of spring and summer.
Pruning and Training Cereus Peruvianus
Trim your apple cactus in autumn when growth stagnates or the plant becomes unwieldy. Utilize a pruning saw for thicker stems, prioritizing safety due to its spiny nature. Pruning aids in maintaining plant health and shape.
Propagating Peruvian Cactus
Propagate your Peruvian cacti using seeds or stem cuttings for new plant growth. Ensure proper scarification and callusing of cuttings before planting for successful propagation.
Harvesting and Storing Cereus Peruvianus
After nurturing your cactus, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Learn to harvest and preserve Peruvian apples to savor their delicious flavor.
Harvesting Peruvian Apples
Hand-pollinate your cactus if needed for optimal fruit formation. Once ripe, pick the fruits carefully, wearing gloves to protect yourself from the spines. Peruvian apples are rich in nutrients and make a delightful treat!
Storing Peruvian Cactus
Store Peruvian apples at room temperature for short-term use or refrigerate for extended freshness. Freeze chopped fruit for long-term storage, ensuring they remain in freezer-safe containers for up to a year.
Troubleshooting
While Peruvian cacti are generally hassle-free, keep an eye out for any issues that may arise during the plant’s growth journey.
Common Challenges
One common hurdle that gardeners face is overwatering, a completely manageable issue. The problem may stem from excessive watering on your part or from soil that retains too much moisture.
If the issue lies in the soil, consider incorporating perlite into the mix to improve aeration or increasing the amount of cactus mix. Enhancing drainage is key, so even the addition of a small amount of sand can facilitate better water flow within the soil.
Dealing with Pests
Among the potential pests that may afflict the Cereus peruvianus are snails, slugs, and mealybugs. Combat mealybugs with organic insecticides or delicately remove them from your plants using cotton swabs soaked in rubbing alcohol.
Combatting Diseases
Root rot is a common ailment in cacti caused by overwatering or planting in inadequately draining soil. If you notice a brown, mushy base on your cactus, remove the affected area, allow the remaining part to dry and callous for a few weeks, then replant it in an area with ample sunlight and good drainage.
Frequently Answered Questions
Q: Can apple cactus thrive in a container?
A: Certainly, apple cactus can flourish in a container or flower pot. Ensure you use a well-draining potting mix with plenty of sand, and place it where it can receive abundant sunlight.
Q: My apple cactus is tilting to one side. What steps should I take?
A: Rotate your plant pot regularly and ensure even exposure to light on all sides. By maintaining balance and shifting the pot position to allow uniform sunlight exposure, you can promote the plant’s health.
Q: Is cereus Peruvianus fruit edible?
A: Absolutely! The apple’s flavor is reminiscent of a Optunia cactus fruit, with a touch of sweetness.
Q: Is cereus Peruvianus toxic?
A: No, it is not. The spines typically act as a deterrent for inquisitive pets or children.
Q: How long do Peruvian cactus flowers last?
A: Just like dragon fruit, these lovely blooms only last for one night!
Q: What happens if you encounter a cactus spine?
A: Simply remove the spine, cleanse the area, and monitor for any complications. For persistent issues, seek medical attention promptly.
Q: What is the blooming frequency of the cereus cactus?
A: This cactus blooms for just one night every year. You can usually anticipate the blooming event before it transpires.
Q: How frequently should I water my cereus?
A: Water your cereus every 2 to 3 weeks or whenever the soil completely dries out. Adjust this schedule during fall and winter to accommodate the plant’s dormant period.
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