Peruvian Apple Cactus 

You will receive one Peruvian Apple Cactus cutting that is about 12” to 15” tall and 3” thick. These cuttings are taken from mature fruiting plants. They will be shipped via USPS Priority Mail.

With a name like the Peruvian apple cactus, you would probably expect this plant to originate from the forests of Peru. Strangely, though, Cereus peruvianus is actually native to Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. It grows in tall, thorny columns that can reach heights of up to twenty feet when grown outdoors, earning itself nicknames such as the “giant club cactus” and the “hedge cactus.”

As long as it has plenty of access to sunlight and water, this plant can grow just as well in an indoor setting as it can outdoors. When grown indoors, the Peruvian apple cactus often requires pruning, as it can outgrow the constraints of a small room when left unchecked. This plant grows quickly, at between two to four feet per year under optimal conditions.

The Peruvian apple cactus flowers in the summertime, and though its flowers are beautiful, they’re also short-lived. One night a year, the plant blooms with exotic sunburst flowers in shades of pink, yellow and bright white before closing at sunrise. If fertilized during this short window of opportunity, flowers develop into fruits around wintertime.  

Potting and Propagation

If you want to grow your Peruvian apple cactus indoors, you’re in luck. This plant is known for growing well in a pot. As long as you provide it with the light, water, and nutrients that it needs, the cactus can thrive anywhere in your home. You should pot the plant in a fast draining medium to discourage the development of fungus or root rot. Many nurseries sell specialized cactus potting mixtures that offer an ideal environment for the root system of the Peruvian apple cactus.

When your cactus is young, it will need repotting each year in the spring. As the plant matures, though, you can start repotting just when you see that it has outgrown its old home. As your plant starts to get taller, you should transfer it to a heavy based pot, as mature Peruvian apple cacti can become top-heavy and are prone to toppling.