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Plant Profiles / Peruvian apple cactus
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Peruvian apple cactus
Cereus repandus (syn. C. peruvianus); 'Monstrose' form · Hedge cactus, column cactus
A fast, tall, blue-green columnar cactus with night-blooming flowers and edible fruit. The 'Monstrose' form has knobbly, twisted stems.
Full sunLight
Every 2–3 weeksWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Full sun.
Water
Every 2–3 weeks
DryWet
Water when dry.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Dry air.
Temperature
0–40°C (32–104°F)
CoolWarm
Light frost only.
Growth
Fast, columnar
SlowFast
Grows 3–10 m; slower in pots.
Soil
Cactus mix
LeanRich
Free-draining.
Fertiliser
Spring–summer
RarelyOften
Diluted cactus fertiliser.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic; spines can injure.
About this plant
Native to South America, this is one of the fastest-growing columnar cacti. Large white flowers open at night and are followed by red fruit. It is a declared weed in parts of Australia, so check local rules and grow it in a pot.
Best spots
Sunny balconies, rooftops, bright interiors and large pots.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Cereus repandus (syn. C. peruvianus); 'Monstrose' form |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Origin | South America |
| Plant type | Columnar cactus |
| Mature size | 3–10 m |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Spines | Brown to black |
| Flowers | Large, white, night-blooming |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic; fruit edible |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Active growth
Flowering
Harvest
Keep dry
Active growthFloweringHarvestKeep dry
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Thin, pale growth | Not enough light. |
| Soft spots | Rot from overwatering. |
| Yellow patches | Sunburn. |
| Toppling | Needs a heavier pot. |
| Scale | Horticultural oil. |
Common questions
Is the fruit edible?
Yes, it's sweet with crunchy seeds.
Is it a weed?
It's declared in parts of Australia; keep it in a pot and check your council rules.
How fast does it grow?
Quickly for a cactus.
What is 'Monstrose'?
A form with twisted, knobbly stems.
