Cereus repandus
Peruvian Apple Cactus
A fast, tall, sculptural columnar cactus with giant white night blooms and edible fruit.
Quick answer: Peruvian Apple cactus (Cereus repandus) is a fast-growing columnar cactus that likes full sun, gritty well-draining soil, and deep but infrequent watering. It blooms at night and can fruit in warm climates.
About the Peruvian Apple cactus
The Peruvian Apple cactus, Cereus repandus (often listed as Cereus peruvianus), is a tall columnar cactus from South America. Also called the giant club cactus or hedge cactus, it grows thick, ribbed blue-green stems that branch with age into a striking tree-like silhouette.
Its large white flowers open at night and last just one evening. In warm climates the blooms can be followed by edible, red-skinned fruit with white flesh, which is where the name comes from.
At a glance
Light
Full sun is best. Acclimate new plants gradually over one to two weeks to avoid sunburn.
Water
Soak deeply, then let the soil dry out completely. Water far less in winter.
Size
Fast-growing and tall. In the ground and in warm climates it can reach many feet.
Soil
Gritty, fast-draining cactus mix with plenty of pumice, perlite or coarse sand.
Blooms
Huge white flowers that open after dark, one night only.
Hardiness
Best in warm zones (roughly USDA 9b to 11). Protect from hard frost or grow in a pot and bring it in.
Peruvian Apple cactus for sale
Looking for a Peruvian Apple cactus for your patio, courtyard or desert garden? See what is available in the shop, or message us for sizes and current stock.