Care guide
Peruvian Apple & San Pedro Cactus Care
Simple, reliable care for tall columnar cacti, indoors or out.
How often should I water? Water deeply when the soil is completely dry, roughly every one to two weeks in the warm growing season and much less in winter. When in doubt, wait. Overwatering is the most common way to lose a cactus.
Light
Give full sun or very bright light. Move new or indoor plants into strong sun gradually over one to two weeks to prevent sunburn.
Water
Soak thoroughly, let the pot drain, and let the soil dry out before watering again. Never leave the pot standing in water.
Soil
Use a gritty mix, mostly pumice, perlite or coarse sand with a little potting soil, in a pot with drainage holes.
Temperature
Warm weather is ideal. Protect from hard frost, and keep plants drier through cold months.
Feeding
In spring and summer, feed lightly with a diluted low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer. Skip it in winter.
Repotting
Repot in spring when roots fill the pot. Use a heavy pot so tall plants do not tip.
Propagation
Cut a healthy section, let the cut end callus for one to three weeks, then set it upright in dry gritty mix and water once roots form.
Common problems
Soft or mushy base means too much water. Thin, stretched growth means too little light. Cottony white spots are mealybugs.
Questions about your plant?
Send us a photo and we will help you figure it out.