The Peruvian Apple Cactus, also known as Cereus Repandus or it has also been known as The Queen of the Night. This is a large, columnar cactus that is native to South America, particularly Peru.
It is an attractive tree-like cactus that can grow up to 30 feet tall in its natural habitat. This is a prize plant to own as one of the most striking features of the Peruvian apple cactus is its large, white, nocturnal flowers, which can reach up to 8 inches in diameter. A rare beauty indeed especially since they bloom in the evenings. These flowers are not pollinated by the busy bumble bee. Surprisingly the Peruvian Apple Cactus is pollinated in the evening by bats and even moths. The flower has a very sweet alluring fragrance that attract bats. As the bats feed on the nectar inside the flowers, they are inadvertently collecting pollen on their fur and bodies. When bats visit other flowers, they are transferring pollen. Unknowingly they are fertilizing the flowers and enabling them to produce fruit and seeds.
This amazing plant also will produce fruit. Peruvian Apple Cactus is edible and is often compared to the taste of a kiwi as far as the taste and texture goes. It is green when unripe and turns bright red or pink when ripe. Not only is the fruit rich in nutrients and low in calories, but it is also rich in essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B2, B3, Iron and Magnesium. This fruit is also a very high source of dietary fiber which promotes digestive health and can even regulate blood sugar levels and promote satiety. In cultivation, the Peruvian Apple Cactus is grown for its ornamental value as well as for its edible fruit.
Great for someone needing a low maintenance plant. The Apple Cactus requires full sun and well-draining soil. The best part about this plant is that it is completely drought-tolerant! So if you forget to water it, you’re in the clear. Your plant however will benefits from occasional watering during dry periods of the year. We recommend our Lyfe Mister Signature Rose Gold product so that you're able to lightly mist your plant when needed.
Plants are so amazing and if you’re that person who loves to propagate plants, then you’ll love this! Share trimmings with your friends and loved ones. The Peruvian Apple Cactus can be propagated from cuttings and this will grow roots easily in suitable conditions. Choose a health stem that is at least a few inches long. Use a sharp, clean knife or shears to cut the stem just below a node where the spines are.
Place the cutting in a warm, dry locating for about a week and allow the cut end to callous over. This will help prevent rot when the cutting is plated in it’s resting place. When your cutting has calloused, be sure to prep your planter with well draining cactus or succulent soil. Insert the end of the cutting into the soil. Bury it about an inch or two deep. Keep your soil lighting moist. Planter should be in a warm, bright locating with indirect sunlight. Roots will start to develop in a few weeks to a month. When the cutting develops roots you can transplant it into your garden or into a bigger pot.
When you order a plant online from Verdant Lyfe, our promise to you is that your plant is going to arrive alive right to your door. How do we even package your cactus plant? Extremely carefully! We package every item very delicately and our wonderful team has mastered the art of packaging, no matter the shape or size. With each order you will get instructions that will instruct you on the proper care for each plant you receive. We even include other little surprises, too! This is our way of showing our appreciation and thanking you for supporting this big dream that turned into a small business. Let's Stick Together.
