Peruvian Apple Cactus

Introduction

Cereus repandus, more commonly known as the Peruvian Apple Cactus, is a striking cactus species native to Bolivia. This cacti has cylindrical tubercles covered in bright green spines and yellowish-brown flowers with pinkish fruit that resemble an apple – giving it its unique common name.

The Peruvian Apple Cactus is an easy-to-care for plant that requires little maintenance compared to other similar species. It prefers sunny locations and well-draining soil with infrequent watering during the summer months only when the top 2 inches of soil have dried out completely. Its ability to survive extreme heat makes this cactus perfect for both indoor and outdoor container gardening. With its amazing features such as flowering fruits and distinguishing cylindrical shape, the Peruvian Apple Cactus makes an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a beautiful yet resilient addition to their existing landscape or home decor.

Peruvian Apple Cactus Care

The Peruvian Apple Cactus is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is well-suited to warm, arid environments. Originating from South America, this desert dweller needs full sun exposure, well-draining soil, infrequent watering, and temperatures above freezing. As it's not a heavy feeder, fertilization is only necessary during its active growing season, typically from spring to late summer. With the right care, this columnar cactus can grow quite large and reward you with beautiful, nocturnal blooms.

Light

The Peruvian Apple Cactus requires a lot of sunlight and can tolerate full sun exposure. If kept indoors, try to position it near a south-facing window where it will receive the most light. Outdoors, it can be kept in direct sunlight but should be gradually acclimatized to avoid sunburn.

Soil

This cactus prefers a well-draining soil mix to prevent water from standing around its roots, which can lead to root rot. A standard cactus or succulent potting mix will work well. If you're preparing your mix, a combination of standard potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice will provide excellent drainage.

Water

The Peruvian Apple Cactus follows the typical "soak and dry" method used for most cacti and succulents. This means you should water thoroughly, ensuring the water drains out from the bottom, and then let the soil dry out completely before the next watering. It's important to water less during the cooler months when the plant is not actively growing, as the cactus is more susceptible to overwatering during this time.

Temperature and Humidity

The Peruvian Apple Cactus is adapted to warm, dry climates and does best in temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to prolonged periods of freezing temperatures. Indoors, average room temperatures suit it fine. As for humidity, it is tolerant of dry air but can handle the average humidity in a home without issue.

Fertilizer

This cactus is not a heavy feeder and only requires fertilization during its active growing season, typically from spring to late summer. You can use a general-purpose cactus fertilizer diluted to half strength, applying it when you water the cactus. Avoid fertilizing in the cooler months when the cactus is not actively growing.