Apple Cactus Care

Cereus peruvianus (or Peruvian Apple Cactus) Care Guide

1. Light: If indoors, place this cactus in a spot with bright, indirect light.
2. Watering Frequency: Water thoroughly every 2-3 weeks. ...
3. Soil: A fast-draining cactus soil is recommended.
4. Humidity: Will do well in average household humidity.

Does a Peruvian apple cactus need full sun?

Other common names: Night-Blooming Cereus Cactus, Apple Cactus, Hedge Cactus, Peruvian Tree Cactus. Height: 15' - 30' (growers using plant supports have achieved heights of 110'). Growth: Fast growing. Light Needs: Full sun.

Are Peruvian apple cactus cold hardy?

The Peruvian apple cactus cold hardiness zone is 9 to 11. It is not frost-hardy. The ideal temperature for its good growth ranges from -60° to -75°F (15.5° to 23.8°C) during summer and 50° to 55°F (10° to 13°C) during winter. This cactus can grow well in direct sun, medium, or low light.

How cold can Peruvian apple cactus get?

The night-blooming Peruvian apple is hardy to eighteen degrees Fahrenheit and will freeze in the low teens. Cover the ends of the plant with Styrofoam cups or sheets to protect it as needed during periods of frost.

Should cactus be misted?

No, it's never a good idea to spray a cactus with water. They have very low humidity needs, and moisture left sitting on them can cause rot and other diseases.

How do I get my Peruvian apple cactus to bloom?

Plants flower only after they are several years old and it is much less common to get flower and fruit on a house cactus. Proper care: You need to let your Cereus have the most sunlight it can possibly get. Turn it frequently so a new section faces the light or it will begin to lean toward the window.

Can I leave my cactus outside in winter?

It may seem counterintuitive, but cold-hardy cacti can easily survive in areas with plenty of snow. However, in climates that experience harsh winds and temperatures but little snow, cacti can become frostbitten. To prevent damage, carefully cover the plants with burlap as late in the season as possible.

Is 40 degrees too cold for cactus?

In general, succulents and cacti do best in temperatures ranging from 40-80°F. While minor sways in temperature outside of this range are tolerable, sways of 5° or more can cause irreversible damage.

How do you keep cactus alive in the winter?

Make your cacti or succulent happy by placing the dormant plant in an area where it will thrive. Succulents need less light during the winter and will survive when given indirect light, too. For the best results, make sure your plant receives at least three to four hours of bright light a day.

How often should I water my Peruvian apple cactus?

Watering, an important part of Peruvian cactus care, is an exacting monthly task to keep the plant happy. Make sure the water reaches the root zone. Begin with 10 ounces (295.5 mL.) once a month, checking first to make sure stems and blades are spongy, which indicates the need for water.

What is the difference between San Pedro cactus and Peruvian apple cactus?

Spines - The spines of a Peruvian Apple Cactus are usually considerably longer than those of a San Pedro cactus. In particular, each areole on a Peruvian Apple Cactus typically has one spine which is considerably longer than the others, this is not common with San Pedro cactus.

How much light does a Peruvian apple cactus need?

If you're growing outdoors, give it full sun, 8+ hours per day. Remember, it's a desert cactus – it loves the sun! Heat is no issue for this cactus, and it's fairly cold-hardy down to 18°F.

How can you tell if a cactus is stressed?

The art of stressing Observe your plants. If leaves are margined or tipped in red, they're likely prospects. But if excess heat, sun or cold makes tips shrivel and beigey-gray patches appear on leaves, the plant is suffering. Move it to a kinder location, keep soil moist (but not soggy), and check its roots.

Should you water a cactus with tap water?

The best time to water is in the morning. Use rainwater, distilled water, or filtered water if possible to avoid mineral deposit. If you use tap water, leave it out overnight to allow some of the treated chemicals to dissipate into the air.

What do Overwatered cactus look like?

Black or brown spots and mushy stems are telltale signs of an overwatered cactus due to a fungal infection in the soil. If you notice these physical symptoms, it's time to act.

How tall do Peruvian apple cactus get?

Description. The Apple cactus, also known as the Peruvian apple, is a large and bold cactus that develops numerous upright stems 10-12 ft. tall and taller. These stems are pale green, have 5-9 ribs with a few sharp spines.

How do you stimulate cactus growth?

Give your cacti enough light.

1. Let them soak up the sun—but not too much—and enjoy the heat.
2. Make sure the top layer of your cacti's soil has dried completely between watering. ...
3. Soil mix and food tailored to cacti are key to healthy growth.

How often does Peruvian apple cactus bloom?

If planted in good soil and watered moderately, this cactus should bloom each year between June and August. After the blooming season water should be given the plant very sparingly for a period of three months.

What is the lowest temperature a cactus can tolerate?

Temperature. Certain cacti can handle temperatures as low as 20 degrees below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, as some varieties hail from cold desert regions. These plants might have spines or hairs that keep out frost, or they may expel water (which will make them look slightly deflated) to avoid stem freeze.

What months do you not water a cactus?

Autumn and winter This is the time where the plants enter a rest period. Watering should be reduced so that the potting mix dries out between the watering.