Peruvian apple cactus aka prickly pear cactus is an attractive plant ideal for enhancing one’s indoor garden and greenhouse’s beauty.
How to Grow Peruvian Apple Cactus?
It requires little attention and care; similarly, the hedge cactus can grow impressively with a simple, caring routine. Also, the Peruvian cactus apple adds unique elegance and charms to your indoor areas. The gardeners prefer growing varieties of cereus peruvianus (apple cactus) for its colorful fruit and flowers that serve mesmerizing and appealing visuals to their garden. Additionally, the funnel-shaped flowers of cactus cereus peruvianus can grow up to 6 to 8 inches long, contains white and pink vibrant colors.
Undoubtedly, peruvian cacti are one of the most beautiful plants one can witness. Moreover, the cactus cereus Peruvians can go up to 30ft in height when taken care of properly.
Therefore, there are numerous informative things you would learn about cereus peruvian fruit and plant in the article. So, scroll down and read the following interesting facts and details.
Facts About Prickly Pear Cactus
| Origin | South America |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Also Known as | Peruvian cactus apple, Cereus peruvianus, Peruvianus cacti, Hedge cactus, Screw cactus plant, and Cereus repandus |
| Maximum Growth | The maximum height of stems can be 30ft (outdoor), whereas indoors, it can reach up to 3ft. |
| Flowers Details | Peruvianus cacti consist of funnel-shaped flowers in pink and white colors |
| Fruit Details | Reddish-purple smooth and spherical fruit looks like a dragonfruit, containing a white fleshy interior. |
| Advantages | Plants add beauty to the indoor and outdoor garden.Cereus Peruvian fruit is edible and contains numerous health benefits. Low maintenance plant |
| Disadvantages | Pests IssueConsumes less water (requires limited watering) |
| Pests & Diseases | Scale, Mealybugs |
Growing Peruvian Cactus
Whenever one plans to grow Peruvian cacti, it’s better to plant in large groupings. Resultantly, it can generate numerous flowers and apple cactus fruits that would be beneficial and look fascinating.
Cereus peruvian plants can be grown from cuttings as well as from seeds. When raising the plant, one must know how adequate amount of water this plant requires. Because the plant cannot grow properly when facing an over-watering issue, it can quickly destroy. Initially, add 10 ounces of water every month, and note that the water must reach the root zone. In addition, if the blades and stems seem spongy, that means you need to add more water accordingly. Also, to keep the peruvianus cacti on point, Peruvian cactus care and maintenance every month are mandatory.
Further, one needs to check the soil condition frequently. If you find the soil dry, then add water to the plant. Peruvian cactus is easy to maintain and grow both indoors and outdoors. All it needs is perfect water management and adequate sunshine. It’s better to keep the cereus peruvianus indoors, as it doesn’t require direct sunlight.
How Do You Take Care of a Peruvian Apple Cactus?
There are a few key concepts of care and maintenance that one can consider when raising a Peruvian cactus apple. Check out the below details.
- Potting and Propagation
Growing cereus repandus exemplary requires watering, proper sunlight, and nutrients, and then it can do wonders. Furthermore, Peruvian cactus can grow anywhere. Therefore, one does not need to worry about direct sunlight all the time. In addition, you can add potting mixtures (you can find them easily from nurseries) when required for extra nutrients. Also, it is suggested to report the plant when it is mature and robust enough. However, repotting the young and weak plant is not ideal for growing a healthy Peruvian cactus. The propagating cuttings process is feasible and performance-wise, whereas increasing the cactus through seeds is complicated even for professionals.
Sunlight
The Peruvian apple cactus needs ideal sunlight or a room full of windows in growing adequately. Whereas, if you are growing it indoors, then the room with several windows can be perfect.
- Irrigation
Apple cactus is a dry plant that does not require overwatering. Similarly, it can store excess water in the meaty stems for safe sides and can effortlessly grow in a wild area. One can water the plant according to needs; however, it only requires watering twice a week.
FAQs
Can you Eat Peruvian Apple Cactus or Prickly Pear Cactus Fruit?
The apple cactus fruit is edible (tastes sweet) like other cactus fruits. It is enriched with vitamin A & C, natural sugars, minerals, dietary fiber, beta-carotene, etc. Mostly, birds, desert tortoises, insects, and other animals eat it.
Also, the cereus peruvianus fruit is beneficial for humans in boosting immunity and improving the digestive system. But it is recommended to consult your doctor or nutritionist before consuming cereus Peruvian fruit.
How Fast Does a Peruvian Apple Cactus Grow?
Peruvian cacti grow fast when getting an adequate amount of sunlight and water regularly. Similarly, it can grow up to 2 to 4 feet per year whenever you grow it indoors or outdoor.
Can I grow Apple Cactus in a Container?
Yes, it is possible to grow cereus repandus or apple cactus in any container or similar pot. The container must have a drainage hole, soil and must place in a good atmosphere. The rest you require is to check with watering and nutrients to thrive the hedge cactus.
To convert the dull indoor and outdoor garden into charming, you need Peruvian apple cactus. Therefore, the screw cactus plant refreshes one’s mood. Additionally, colorful flowers and fruits are enough to bring shine to your place.
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