Peruvian Apple Cactus
Cereus repandus
A tall, columnar cactus with ribbed, grey-green to blue-green stems featuring small, light-colored spiny areoles. It grows vertically as a prominent tree-like succulent.
- Light
- Full sun to bright direct light, ideally 6 or more hours daily.
- Water
- Allow soil to completely dry out between waterings. Reduce watering substantially during winter dormancy.
- Growth
- Columnar, tree-like perennial succulent capable of reaching 10-30 feet in height outdoors, with a spread of 10-15 feet.
Care instructions
Provide bright, direct light for optimal growth. Water deeply only when the potting medium has fully dried out. Use a gritty, fast-draining cactus mix and fertilize sparingly during active growth in spring and summer.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to bright direct light, ideally 6 or more hours daily.
Watering
Allow soil to completely dry out between waterings. Reduce watering substantially during winter dormancy.
Soil
Well-draining, porous soil mix such as a commercial cactus and succulent formulation with added perlite or pumice; neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.0).
Hardiness zone
USDA Zones 9a to 11b.
Growth habit
Columnar, tree-like perennial succulent capable of reaching 10-30 feet in height outdoors, with a spread of 10-15 feet.
Bloom season
Late spring to summer, producing large, nocturnal white flowers that open at night.
Propagation
Propagated easily by stem cuttings allowed to callus for several days before planting in dry cactus medium.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil. Common pests include mealybugs and scale insects.
Similar species
Echinopsis pachanoi (San Pedro Cactus) and Cereus hildmannianus; distinguishable by rib count, spine structure, and growth rate.