Cereus repandus

Cereus repandus

Synonym: Cereus peruvianus
Family: Cactaceae
Common Name: Peruvian apple cactus
Origin: Although widespread across the Americas, the exact origin of Cereus repandus is unknown. However, the species likely emerged from the western Caribbean, Venezuela, or Brazil. In South Africa, the species is invasive and is considered a weed.
Description: C. repandus is a columnar cactus that develops a tree-like form, forming upright branches from the base. The cylindrical segments are glaucous to blue-green in color, each with 8-13 ribs – and rarely, numerous gray spines. From late spring to early fall, showy, red-tipped white flowers will bloom for a single night before perishing. Flowers will be followed by red to yellow fruits, egg-shaped and thornless.

Interesting Features:
- The Peruvian apple cactus is one of the tallest growing cacti in cultivation, reaching up to 10m without aid. With support, however, one specimen has been able to reach 34m in height – towering over wild specimens, which do not exceed 25m.
Uses: Cereus repandus is extensively used within its natural habitat, with the fruits widely consumed, wood utilized for furniture, and the cacti planted as living fences or used in carbon farming.
- Additionally, the species has been utilized in Curacao as a shampoo, soap, and as a cure for diarrhea.

Cultivation and Care:

Watering: Low
- During the growing season, water once every 1-2 weeks, thoroughly soaking whenever soil is dry. In winter, reduce irrigation to only once a month.
Soil: Cereus repandus is tolerant of most soil conditions, as long as substrate is well-draining and devoid of salinity. For the best growth, however, supplement with 30% organic material, and maintain a pH between 6.1 and 7.8.
Lighting: Provide young plants with light shade. Older plants require bright, direct sun, except during the summer months, when cacti should be moved to partial shade to prevent sun-burn.
Propagation: The Peruvian apple cactus can be propagated through woody stem or softwood cuttings, offsets, or seed. Cuttings should be taken from the top of the stem, and offsets are commonly produced in spring or summer.
- While propagation from seed is possible, it is usually difficult, and seedlings will only germinate at temperatures between 70-80°F.
Cold Tolerance: 20°F, USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11.
Special Accommodations: Young cacti must be repotted yearly, during the spring, to provide ample room to grow. Additionally, cacti should be fed with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer in the growing season, and handled with care.

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