Cereus peruvianus

Peruvian Apple Cactus

Accent

This heavily accordianed evergreen cactus grows quickly and gradually makes clumps that reach 20 feet tall, spreading to 15 feet wide. Grows faster in in friendly spots with warm shade and moderate water. The glochids are fuzzy.

Temperature

Hardy to 28F. Freezes at tip.

Water requirements

Occasional.

Sun

Full sun, part sun, open to filtered shade. Yellows in reflected sun. Will sunburn.

Soil

Tolerant. Good drainage.

Maintenance

Little to none.

Disadvantages

Tender to hard frost.

Bloom

Giant white flowers to seven inches across bloom during June. Blooms in swarms. Opens at sunset and closes at dawn. Tends to bloom in swarms.

Fruit or Seeds

Edible fruit.

Uses

Accent, container plant.

Origin

Native of Western Caribbean and Venezuela. Member of the Cactaceae family.

Cultivars

'Monstrosus' (Totempole Cactus) grows slower, to ten feet high with clumps to eight feet wide. Has irregular bumpy columns and no spines. Best sheltered.

Themes

Desert Grassland, Desert, Desert Transitional, Edible, Pool Area.

Return to Index