Peruvian Apple Cactus 'Monstrosus' (Cereus peruvianus 'Monstrosus'-syn. Cereus repandus 'Monstrosus') - Cactuses & Succulents. Cultivar of the C. peruvianus. It is a perennial cactus plant of upright, columnar shape with an impressive appearance - especially of mature individuals. It is one of the tallest unsupported cacti, and with support has been recorded as the tallest of all, reaching 34 metres. The Peruvian Apple Cactus Monstrosus has a slow growth rate, many branches, twist stems and individual undulating sections. The stems are glaucous or bluish-green in colour and have 4 to 12 ribs, up to 1 cm high. The number of ribs often changes from segment to segment or even in the middle of a segment. The spines, which are sometimes completely absent from these cacti, emerge on the aeroles and are greyish-white or white. The Peruvian Apple Cactus blooms in summer, with large, white, slightly fragrant flowers that last only one night. The flowers are succeeded by purple-reddish drupelike fruits. The fruits are thornless, resemble small apples and are even edible. The Peruvian Apple Cactus 'Monstrosus' (Cereus peruvianus 'Monstrosus'-syn. Cereus repandus 'Monstrosus') is a very hardy xerophyte plant suitable for potting, gravel garden soil or rock gardens. It is used in both gardening and landscape architecture to create - among other things - dry landscape compositions (xeriscaping) or as a focal point plant because of its iconic presence.
► It is offered at a price determined by the particular characteristics of the cactus, such as the size of the pot, its height, and age. Large cacti are also available for sale (and planting) upon prior arrangement. In any case, the price or prices listed are indicative.
FOLIAGE | - | |
HEIGHT | 5.00 - 8.00 m | |
DIAMETER | 3.00 - 5.00 m | |
EXPOSURE | Sun | |
MINIMUM TEMPERATURES | From -4 to -6.7 °C | |
WATERING | Little | |
SOIL | Light | |
SOIL pH | Acidic to Alkaline (6.1 - 7.8) | |
FLOWERS | White | |
FLOWERING SEASON | Summer | |
SEASIDE PLANTING | Yes |
Plants | |
Plants Category | Xeriscaping Plants |
Plants Type | Cacti |
Genus | Cereus |
Species | peruvianus - syn.repandus |
Variety | Monstrosus |
Foliage | - |
Leaves Color | - |
Autumn Foliage Color | - |
Color of Flowers | White |
Flowering | June - August |
Fragance | Yes |
Fruit | Purple-Red Drupe |
Soil | Sand, Rocky, Excellent Drainage |
pH of Soil | Range: 6.1 - 7.8. Optimum: 6.5-7.5 |
Irrigation | Low, in dry soil or soil mixture |
Thorns | Yes/Sometimes No |
Toxicity | The Peruvian Apple Cactus is not toxic |
Allergen | No |
Growth Rate | Slow |
Plant Uses | The Peruvian Apple Cactus is used as an indoor and outdoor plant. It is suitable for planting in gardens, in xeriscapes, in rock gardens, in pots, containers and planters. |