Monstrose Apple Cactus
Location
Cactus & Succulent Garden
- Common Name: Monstrose Apple Cactus (other common names: Queen of the Night, Andes Organ Pipe, Peruvian Apple, Spiny Tree Cactus, Hedge Cactus, Apple Cactus)
- Scientific Name: Cereus hildmannianus ‘Monstrose’
- Family Name: Cactaceae
- Origin: South America
- Height: up to 30’
- Width: up to 15’ (clumping from the base)
- Growth: slow – moderate
- Zone: 8 – 11
- Light Needs: Full sun – Partial shade with bright light (8 + hours of Sun a day is recommended)
- Salt Tolerance: unknown
- Soil/PH/Texture: prefers a cactus soil with an abundance of sand and that is well-drained.
- Soil Moisture: During the active growth period water thoroughly but allow soil to dry out between watering, cut back the water to minimal in the winter.
- Drought Tolerance: High
- Pests/Diseases: No serious pests or diseases – watch for scales, mealybugs, and root rot.
- Growing Conditions: easy to grow and low maintenance
- Characteristics: This desert cactus has a tree-like appearance with stems that are green/gray to blue, with conspicuous bumps and knobs, tight bunch of twisted stems with irregular ribs that can reach 4” – 8” in diameter. Also known for being a “night-blooming cereus cactus” don’t miss its slightly fragrant cream-colored or sometimes red flowers that only open for one night, it also produces juicy and delicious fruits that are huge in the late fall – winter.
- Propagation: by stem cuttings, offsets, and seed (seed propagation is a slow process)
- Wildlife: attracts night pollinators – bats and moths.
- Facts: It is a naturally occurring mutant of Cereus repandus.
- Designer Considerations: it can be used around foundations, and in entrances, makes a striking accent against tall buildings or large, open walls. It can also be used in containers with other cacti and succulents or raised planters for your patio.
