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Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya

Cereus Peruvianus

Design with this plant

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 9–10Type CactusClimate Arid
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — also known as Cereus peruvianus or Pitaya

Culture

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

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Cactus
Family
Cactaceae
Climate
Arid

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Photos (70)

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) — white and yellow flowers in the garden
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — making it an excellent accent for xeriscapes; well-draining soil is vital to prevent root rot, image 56
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — commonly called Peruvian-Apple Cactus; thornless fruit resembling an apple, image 51
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — columnar cactus that can reach heights up to 33 feet; this cactus can reach impressive heights, image 52
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — The Peruvian Apple Cactus
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — the Peruvian Apple Cactus prefers full sun exposure to promote strong and healthy growth, image 38
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — Its stout stems with deep ribs are capped with nocturnal; ensure enough space is provided for its mature
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — ensure enough space is provided for its mature size; white and yellow flowers in the garden
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — also known as Cereus peruvianus or Pitaya; is a striking columnar cactus that adds a bold vertical element
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — Its rapid vertical growth and potential to branch out; this drought-tolerant plant prefers full sunlight
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — spiny surface which requires consideration for placement; its rapid vertical growth and potential to branch
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — Cold-sensitive, it thrives in USDA zones 9b-11
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — particularly in areas frequented by children and pets
Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya (Cereus Peruvianus) — This drought-tolerant plant prefers full sunlight and well-draining soil; cold-sensitive, it, image 55
Cereus Peruvianus
Cereus Peruvianus
Cereus Peruvianus
Cereus Peruvianus
Cereus Peruvianus
Cereus Peruvianus
Cereus Peruvianus
Photographs by 11 contributors

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