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Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya

Cereus Peruvianus

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Overview

Cereus peruvianus, commonly called Peruvian-Apple Cactus, is a towering, columnar cactus that can reach heights up to 33 feet. Its stout stems with deep ribs are capped with nocturnal, fragrant white blooms, later bearing edible, thornless fruit resembling an apple. This drought-tolerant plant prefers full sunlight and well-draining soil, making it an excellent accent for xeriscapes. Cold-sensitive, it thrives in USDA zones 9b-11.

Sun Full, HalfWater Very LowZones 9–10Climate Arid

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Very Low
USDA zones
9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Cactaceae
Climate
Arid

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Photos (63)

Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — Its stout stems with deep ribs are capped with nocturnal
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — This drought-tolerant plant prefers full sunlight and well-draining soil
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — thornless fruit resembling an apple
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — commonly called Peruvian-Apple Cactus
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — columnar cactus that can reach heights up to 33 feet
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — also known as Cereus peruvianus or Pitaya
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — The Peruvian Apple Cactus
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — making it an excellent accent for xeriscapes
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — Cold-sensitive, it thrives in USDA zones 9b-11
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — this cactus can reach impressive heights of up to 10 to 15 feet if given ample time to grow
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — is a striking columnar cactus that adds a bold vertical element to any landscape design
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — with a spread of 4 to 6 feet.<br><br>Hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — the Peruvian Apple Cactus prefers full sun exposure to promote strong and healthy growth
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — Minimal water requirements make it an ideal plant for xeriscaping or landscapes with drought-tolerant themes
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — It should be watered sparingly
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — Well-draining soil is vital to prevent root rot, a common issue in cacti when exposed to excessive moisture
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — ensure enough space is provided for its mature size
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — which are an off-white color and can span up to 6 inches in length
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — make it a superb choice as a focal plant or used to create natural fencing
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — Its rapid vertical growth and potential to branch out
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — spiny surface which requires consideration for placement
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — white and yellow flowers in the garden
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — particularly in areas frequented by children and pets
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — cactus for full or half

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