The Peruvian apple cactus is a unique plant that offers a unique look to any outdoor or indoor space. It's easy to care for and maintain, as long as you pay attention to light, soil, water, temperature & humidity and fertilizer requirements. By properly managing these needs of your Peruvian apple cactus, you can ensure that it will continue to thrive in its new home!
The Peruvian apple cactus loves bright light with some direct sunlight. It should not be placed in an area that receives full sun all day long though, as this can burn or damage the leaves. Place the cactus in an area with bright indirect light or several hours of direct morning sunlight. If the plant is kept outdoors during the summer months, it will need protection from strong winds and intense afternoon sun.
When planting your Peruvian apple cactus in a pot or container, use well-draining porous soil with some sand or gravel added to it to help with drainage. Avoid using regular potting soil as it will hold too much moisture and prevent proper drainage.
The key to keeping your Peruvian apple cactus healthy is understanding when and how much water it needs. During the spring and summer months when the weather is warm and dry, water the plant regularly until the top 2-3 inches of soil is moist but not soggy. In winter when temperatures are cooler, reduce watering so that the soil dries out between watering sessions. Make sure there is good drainage from a pot or container if growing indoors so that excess water does not pool at its base which could lead to root rot.
The ideal temperature range for this type of cactus is 50-80°F (10-27°C). Temperatures outside of this range can cause damage or death to your plant so make sure you provide good protection if necessary during extreme weather events like frost or heat waves. Ideally keep humidity levels around 40%, although slightly higher levels are tolerated during warmer months without causing harm as long as they remain above 30%.
Adding additional nutrients through fertilizing can also help promote strong growth in your Peruvian apple cactus. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) every two weeks during active growth periods from spring through fall for best results. During winter months reduce fertilizing to once per month when plants are semi-dormant or skip fertilizer altogether if temperatures dip below 40°F (4°C).
