Peruvian Apple Cactus
A fast-growing, branching columnar cactus with dramatic night flowers and edible-looking fruit — but give it real room.
We’ll add pictures of our actual nursery specimens and mature examples.
Keep your cactus happy
Bright sun as it matures. Give younger plants and recently greenhouse-grown plants gradual exposure; light afternoon shade can be helpful in extreme Laredo heat.
Water deeply in active growth after the mix has dried, then allow good drainage. It can use somewhat more summer water than ultra-arid desert cacti; avoid staying wet during cold weather.
Great in large pots while young; ground preferred long-term
Large specimens branch, become heavy and outgrow movable containers. Choose a sunny, very well-drained location with clearance from buildings and sidewalks. Containers are best when cold protection matters.
Fast-draining, moderately fertile cactus soil works well. Drainage is essential, especially through rainy spells.
Can grow into a large branching cactus: commonly over 15 feet in warm landscapes, with substantial width. Keep clear of roofs, utility lines and narrow paths.
Frost-tender, especially at growing tips. Bring smaller specimens under cover before freezes; shelter or insulate tips on established plants when needed.
Good to know
Large, pale flowers typically open at night, and mature healthy plants can develop colorful fruit. Also sold under older botanical names.
Further reading: University of Arizona Campus Arboretum · Southern Nevada Water Authority
← Browse our plant care libraryCare varies with conditions, maturity, season, and drainage. Frost tolerance is not a guarantee; protect tender plants before freezes. Never lift a cactus by its spines or protective foam.