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Peruvian Apple Cactus

​​​Cereus repandus

  • ​​Common Name: Peruvian Apple Cactus. Other common names: Night-Blooming Cereus Cactus, Apple Cactus, Hedge Cactus, Peruvian Tree Cactus.
  • Scientific Name: Cereus repandus
  • Family Name: Cactaceae
  • Origin: South America
  • Height: 15’ - 30’ (growers using plant supports have achieved heights of 110’).
  • Width: 6’ – 8’
  • Growth: Fast growing.
  • Zone: 9A -11
  • Light Needs: Full sun.
  • Salt Tolerance:  Resistant to salt spray.
  • Soil/PH/Texture: Tolerates poor soil and sandy soils that are well-drained, mildly acidic – mildly alkaline (pH 6.1 – 7.8).
  • Soil Moisture: Average water needs, water regularly but do not overwater, and let it dry out between waterings.
  • Drought Tolerance: High and humidity tolerant as well.
  • Pests/Diseases: Scale, snails, slugs and mealybugs.
  • Growing Conditions: Easy to grow and low maintenance.
  • Characteristics: This cactus has grayish-green to bluish stems that can reach up to 4”-8” in diameter. It blooms in late spring to early fall, fragrant, 2” – 3” showy flowers, rose/mauve to white, edible and are nocturnal. Don’t miss seeing the flowers, each flower only opens for one night! On the outside, the fruits (Peruvian apples or pitaya), are violet-red – yellow and are thorn less. The edible interior, is white with crunchy seeds and tastes great. Of course, this cactus/succulent has horns/prickles/spines, use extreme caution when handling.
  • Propagation: By seed or softwood or woody stem cuttings (cut surface should be allowed to callous over before planting).
  • Wildlife: Attractive to bees, birds and butterflies. Birds like the fruit.
  • Facts: They’re high in Vitamin C, beta-carotene, fiber, and much more. Since they bloom at night you may need to self-pollinate to produce fruit unless you have a lot of night pollinators like bats and moths.
  • Designer Considerations: Can be used as a flowering tree, hedge, or windbreak and is perfect for xeriscaping. It also works well for a 3 galllon or larger container plant on a patio.

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Cactus & Succulent Garden

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Peruvian Apple Cactus