Cereus repandus aka Peruvian Apple Cactus
Taxonomy ID: 12041
Cereus repandus, also known as Peruvian apple cactus or giant club cactus, is a large, erect, thorny columnar cactus found in South America. It can reach heights of up to 10 meters and has cylindrical, gray-green to bluish stems with 8-13 ribs. This branching, shrubby or tree-like cactus blooms with creamy-white nocturnal flowers that open for a single night. These flowers are important for pollinating bats. The fruits of Cereus repandus, known as pitaya or Peruvian apple, are thornless and come in various skin colors, ranging from violet-red to yellow. The edible flesh is white and contains small, crunchy seeds. While primarily grown as an ornamental plant, it also holds some culinary importance locally. The Wayuu people of Colombia and Venezuela use the inner cane-like wood of the plant in construction. In fact, Cereus repandus has been known to grow up to 110 feet when supported by a scaffold, making it the tallest cactus plant in the world. However, under natural conditions, no cactus exceeds 82 feet in height. Overall, this cactus species with its impressive size, beautiful flowers, and edible fruits serves as an essential food source for birds in arid regions.
Common names
Peruvian Apple Cactus, Hedge Cactus, Giant Club CactusMore information about Peruvian Apple Cactus
How difficult is it to take care of Peruvian Apple Cactus
Caring for Peruvian Apple Cactus is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
What is the region of origin of Peruvian Apple Cactus
Peruvian Apple Cactus’s native range is South America.
What are the water needs for Peruvian Apple Cactus
Peruvian Apple Cactus does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
What is the right soil for Peruvian Apple Cactus
To keep your Peruvian Apple Cactus healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.
What is the sunlight requirement for Peruvian Apple Cactus
Peruvian Apple Cactus requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Hedge Cactus is always in the right place to thrive.
What's the right humidity for Peruvian Apple Cactus
Peruvian Apple Cactus enjoys dry environments, but misting the plant or providing extra humidity can create an environment for harmful fungi to thrive on the leaves.
How to fertilize Peruvian Apple Cactus
The Peruvian Apple Cactus is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.
Is Peruvian Apple Cactus toxic to humans/pets?
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
What seasonal care does Peruvian Apple Cactus need?
During the cold period, it is common for Peruvian Apple Cactus to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
More info:
Wikipedia
