Cereus peruvianus - Peruvian apple cactus

Cereus peruvianus, nicknamed the Peruvian Candle, is a spectacular columnar cactus, prized for its slender habit and rapid growth. Native to South America, it can reach several metres in height in its natural habitat but remains more compact indoors. Its blue-green ribbed body, dotted with small thorns, gives it an elegant and modern appearance. At maturity, it can produce, under optimal conditions, large, fragrant white nocturnal flowers. Hardy and easy to care for, it adapts well to pot cultivation and makes a centrepiece in a cactus collection.

Cereus peruvianus belongs to the Cactaceae family and is also known as Cereus repandus, Cereus hildmannianus subsp. uruguayanus, Cereus uruguayanus. It grows naturally in the arid and semi-desert regions of South America, particularly in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. It can reach up to 10 m in height in the ground, forming a true cactus tree with lateral branching. Indoors, its growth is more moderate, with the plant reaching 1 m in height after many years. Its cylindrical body, ranging from blue-green to dark green, is marked by 5 to 10 well-defined ribs. Each rib bears woolly areoles from which brownish thorns emerge, generally not very aggressive. At maturity, this cactus can theoretically develop large white nocturnal flowers, reaching up to 15 cm in diameter and emitting a pleasant fragrance. These ephemeral but spectacular flowers bloom at dusk and fade by morning. After flowering, the plant may produce round red fruits, reminiscent of the pitaya (dragon fruit), with edible and sweet flesh.

Cereus peruvianus can flower indoors after 7 to 10 years of cultivation, but this remains rare.

This Peruvian Candle requires a very bright exposure, ideally in full sun outdoors during the warmer months or near a south-facing window. It tolerates heat well and can withstand high temperatures but does not resist frost. It must be kept above 5 °C in winter. Its substrate should be very well-draining, composed of a mix of cactus compost, coarse sand, and perlite, to avoid excess moisture. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry completely between waterings. In winter, the plant enters a dormant period, and watering should be significantly reduced. Too much moisture can cause root rot, the main cause of failure in cultivation.

With its architectural habit, Cereus repandus stands out in a bright living room, conservatory, or greenhouse. A terracotta pot is preferable to optimise drainage and prevent moisture accumulation. It pairs well with other columnar cacti, such as Pachycereus pringlei or Carnegiea gigantea, as well as with more compact succulents, such as Echeveria agavoides or Graptopetalum paraguayense.