Peruvian Apple Cactus

The Peruvian Apple Cactus or Cereus repandus also known as Cereus peruvianus is a beautiful and native plant to South America. It is also referred to as Candle Plant This cactus is characterized by its height and pretty flowers; not just an ornamental plant but also has edible fruits called the “Peruvian apple’.

Here is everything you should know about this type of cactus and how to take care of it.

Peruvian Apple Characteristics

The unique and appealing properties of the apple cactus are;

Appearance:

Height: It may be towering up to 30 ft (9 m) in the natural environment. But in a container and artificial environment it considerably grow shorter

Stems: The stems are grooved and may be bluish green or greenish blue in color; they become more grayish as they grow older.

Spines: It has light brown to gray spines which are small and present a very much different texture with a green and glossy stem.

Flowers:

The plant known as the Peruvian Apple Cactus has large flowers that bloom at night and which are white or pinkish white in color. They are  pollinated by night animals such as the moths and bats.

Blooming Period: Flowers generally come out during the warm weather; this is often during spring to early summer.

Fruit:

After flowering, the cactus yields Peruvian apples or pitaya which are edible fruits. These fruits are round and are reddish-purple in color with a white juicy pulp. The time of similarity to water on the sensory feels and the palatability is lightly sweet and hydrating.

Care Requirements

The key points that are essential to know for every gardener of the Peruvian apple cactus are;

Light

Peruvian Apple Cactus requires bright sunlight for it to grow properly. To encourage proper growth, the plant needs to be exposed to sunlight for at least 6-8 hours. Without this sunlight it cannot absorb nutrients and minerals properly.

Indoor Light: If you grew the cactus indoors, then reposition it to a place in front of a window, preferably a southern or western exposure.

Watering

This cactus is not meant for regular watering and It has tolerance to drought conditions. Water the plant when the soil surface is dry and make this process frequent in warmer months.

Reduce watering significantly in winter when the cactus is dormant.

Soil

Use a cactus or succulent potting mix that ensures good drainage. You can also mix regular potting soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage.

Container Choice: Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root rot.

Temperature

As for the climate, the cactus is adapted to warm staking, which ranges from 70-85°F or 21-29°C. It can withstand the minimum soil temperature of 50°F (10°C) but should not be exposed to frost.

It can be grown all year round in areas where the winters are relatively cold but not as severe. In the cooler regions, it is advisable to take it inside or offer it protection from frost.

Fertilizing

Fertilize the cactus with a balanced, water soluble fertilizer during its growing period which is during spring and summer. Mix the fertilizer at a one-half solution and use it once a month. Avoid over-fertilizing for better growth and safety.

Pruning and Repotting

There is not much pruning required as the tree keeps splitting in half. Cut off any suckers to encourage new growth from the base of the plant. Succulent should be repotted each 2-3 years or when the cactus grows too big for a pot. While shifting it be gentle to avoid damaging the roots.

Pest and Disease Control

Keep an eye for the general pests including mealybugs and spider mites. In case of infestations, the plant should be sprayed with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Disease Prevention: Let the fresh air circulate around the cactus to avoid formation of fungi. Do not over water the plant since this may be a cause of root rot.

Conclusion

It can be stated that the Peruvian Apple Cactus is not only an attractive and interesting plant for a cactus collection or for the garden but also a really useful one. This tree stands out due to its immense size, breathtaking flowers that bloom at night, and sweet fruits. Proper attention to your Peruvian Apple Cactus includes enough light, well-drained soil, and moderate watering and you will be rewarded with more years of the interesting plant and its fruit.