Introducing the Peruvian apple cactus, also known as Cereus repandus; which is a vibrant member of the Cereus genus. It is more commonly referred to as Cereus peruvianus. The Peruvian apple cactus gets its name from its resemblance to an apple.  It's a fun and descriptive name that highlights one of the unique characteristics of this cactus. 

Native to South America, the specific term "repandus" (REP-an-dus), which refers to the slightly waved and uneven ribs, means "turned up or back." It has several other common names, such as hedge cactus, Queen of the Night, and giant club cactus. 

 The Peruvian apple cactus is a magnificent and eye-catching succulent that belongs to the Cactus family. This Peruvian cactus is known for its impressive size and unique appearance. It is a perennial cactus and has a tree-like appearance, often with many upright or slightly curved branches above, often with distinct trunks up to 33 feet tall. 

The flowers of the Peruvian apple cactus bloom at night, which is one of its most distinctive features. These flowers are large and showy, typically measuring around 6 inches in diameter. They come in various colors, including white, yellow, and pink, and emit a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators like bats and moths. Nocturnal, each flower opens for just one night and then shrivels up. During the warm season, Cereus repandus produces several flower flushes. 

The fruit of the Peruvian Apple cactus resembles dragon fruit in appearance, but it is totally smooth and spherical and lacks a leafy scale-like structure. When fully mature, its magenta-red exterior will break open to reveal a white, mushy inside flecked with small black seeds like kiwi seeds.

Peruvian apple cactus propagation can be done through various methods, such as stem cuttings or crunchy seeds. Both methods require proper care and attention to ensure the successful propagation of the apple cactus.  

Peruvian Apple Cactus – Night Blooming Cereus Care 

Watering Needs 

In addition to its striking appearance, the Peruvian apple cactus is also known for its resilience and ability to thrive in arid conditions. It has adapted to survive in dry and hot climates by storing water in its thick, fleshy stems. This adaptation allows the cactus to withstand periods of drought and makes it a low-maintenance plant for succulent enthusiasts. 

During the growing season, which is typically spring and summer, you can water the cactus once every 2-3 weeks. However, during the dormant period in winter, it is best to reduce the watering frequency to once a month or even less, as the cactus requires less water during this time. To avoid root rot, allow the soil to dry between waterings.

Remember to always check the moisture level of the soil before watering to ensure you're not overwatering this desert-loving plant. 

Light Requirements 

The Peruvian apple cactus thrives in bright, full sun to partial shade for at least 4-6 hours daily. It enjoys being placed near a sunny window where it can receive bright light, but make sure to protect it from direct sun, especially during the hottest parts of the day. 

 If you notice that your cereus cactus is stretching or leaning toward the light, it might be an indication that it needs more sunlight. On the other hand, if you see signs of sunburn, such as yellow or brown spots on the cactus, it may be getting too much direct sunlight. Finding the right balance of light will help your night-blooming cereus cactus to grow a healthy apple cactus fruit. 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

When it comes to choosing the light, well-draining soil for your adorable Peruvian cacti plant, you need to be careful! It's like picking out the perfect outfit for a date - you want to make sure everything is just right so there are no surprises later on. 

You see, too much moisture in the soil can literally make or break your little green friend. Too much water and BAM! You've got root and stem rot faster than you can say "succulent." That's why we at Planet Desert have got your back with our specialized cactus potting mix. This organic substrate has mycorrhizal, which helps grow plants with a healthy root system that makes all those thick stems stand up tall and proud.  As an okay alternative, you can create your own cactus mix by combining equal portions of perlite, coarse sand, and good natural potting soil. 

When it comes to fertilizing, the Peruvian apple cactus does not require frequent feeding. You can use a balanced NPK fertilizer once a year during the growing season, which is typically spring. However, it's important not to over-fertilize, as this can cause damage to the cactus. 

Remember to follow these instructions for Peruvian apple cactus care and adjust the frequency based on the needs of your individual plant. 

Hardiness Zone & More 

The Peruvian apple cactus is a desert cactus and is generally hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, which means it can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F to 40°F. It prefers warmer temperatures and thrives in a range of 70°F to 90°F. 

As for humidity, this cactus is native to arid regions and can tolerate low humidity levels. However, it can also adapt to moderate humidity levels. It's important to provide good air circulation around the cactus to prevent excessive humidity and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. 

Overall, the Peruvian apple cactus is a resilient plant that can handle a variety of temperature and humidity conditions.

With the help of cactus Cereus Peruvianus repandus – Peruvian apple cactus, you'll start to spend less time maintaining your garden and more time taking in its beauty!