Peruvian cereuscurrently classified as Cereus widespreadis a family family cactus cactus. In fact, physically it is the classic cacti green in appearance, arms rounded and in the shape of a candlestick.
We speak of all-terrain as a characteristic of most of the plants that belong to this family, but with the possibility in this case of being able to grow the Cereus both in the inside the house as well as outside.
This cactus is particularly suitable when we want to decorate a space in the low maintenance garden and water needs, like a rock garden. It is also particularly suitable for areas near the swimming pool and for the decoration of Mediterranean-style houses (whitewashed walls).
In other parts of the world, such as Latin America, Peruvian cereus (Cereus widespread) is known as peruvian apple cactusand it is so named because produce edible fruit.
read more: 8 indoor cacti to decorate your home.
Contents
Characteristics of Peruvian cereus
The origin of this cactus comes from South America. Classic in appearance, it produces greyish-green stems which, over many years, can exceed 10m (or more) in height. Its stems, cylindrical in appearance and very elongated, candlestick shapeThey can measure an average diameter of 10 to 20 cm thick.
cereus flower
Another interesting aspect of Peruvian Cereus (Cereus repandus) is that produces large, cream-colored flowers which only open overnight. We must be aware if we do not want to miss this spectacle of nature.
Due to this phenomenon, if we cultivate this cactus for its fruits, it is usually pollinated thanks to the help of small nocturnal animals such as moths or batscommon in this type of plant (as in pitaya).
fruit production
Their the fruits are edibleThey have no thorns and are known as Peruvian apples. The color of the fruits can vary from purple red to yellow. The meat inside is edible, small and white, with crunchy seeds.
cultivars
within the species Peruvian cereusthe best known cultivar used for its ornamental properties is Peruvian cereus var. ‘monstrous’. This cultivar reaches a smaller height than the original species, but produces thicker stems and larger, tastier fruits.
care guide for Peruvian cereus
Being a low maintenance cactus, Peruvian cereus offers a wide range of areas where it can be grown, both indoors and outdoors. However, given the great height it reaches, it can only be grown indoors, in pots, during the first years of life. Its growth is quite slow.
Summary:
- Light: greatest disposition to light (including direct sun) possible. More than 8 hours of intense light per day.
- Temperature: very wide temperature range. It prefers very hot environments in summer and mild in winter.
- Humidity: dry and hot environments, with an average annual humidity below 60%. It lives perfectly in coastal environments.
- Substrate: very draining, composed of perlite, coconut fiber and sand.
- Irrigation: very rare, spaced (let the substrate dry out) and not very abundant.
- Fertilizers: solid granules applied in low doses in spring and summer.
- Pests: grown outdoors, watch for cottony mealybug.
Climatology (light, temperature and humidity)
Cacti and succulents have developed a thick “layer of skin” that protects them from the sun and moisture loss. For this reason, this type of cactus is grown full sun. Plenty of light for most of the day without being bothered by shade from other plants, houses or fences.
In the house interior, we will place it in the most lighted area possible. Although it will not receive direct sunlight, it will grow optimally. An example that he may need more light than he is getting is when he leans slightly towards the bright area, this means he needs more light than he currently has .
Facing this inclination, rotate the pot so that all parts of the plant receive the same solar arrangement.
Substrate type
most cacti have not developed a strong root system, being the most sensitive part of the plant of this family. Any excess moisture promotes quick rot which starts at the root and then quickly appears at the base of the stem. Little chance of surviving when we detect the problem.
The Cactus they water very, very little. Often the humidity of the environment or even the foliar spray of indoor cacti is enough to survive. Remember that in the case of Peruvian cereusmoisture is in its stems.
Therefore, the substrate recommended for this plant and the rest of the cacti is the one that keep low humidityso the sand tends to be mixed with perlite, a bit of coir, etc.
Cactus substrate 5l.
- Good solid report
- high doses of magnesium
- Avoid root rot
- Made in Spain
This substrate has very good marks since it is composed of a mixture of peat, coconut fiber, perlite and composted material, maintaining a good ratio between water retention and aeration.
When grown in a pot, if you notice that the trunk rubs against the edges of the container or is very close, it is advisable to transplant the cactus to a larger one.
Irrigation
Following the thread of the previous point, irrigation is kept to a minimum. If grown in the garden, watering can be more frequent, as the soil has more capacity to evacuate excess water. In autumn and winter we do not water anything (we can apply foliar spray once a week), and in spring and summer – once every 8-10 days.
If it is grown in a pot, by reducing the water evacuation path, it will be watered less frequently and less in quantity. It will always be watered after the substrate is completely dry. Swim in fall and winter and once a month in spring and summer.
Amount of water? 20 times less than the volume of the pot.
Use of fertilizer
It is advisable to recover soil reserves by applying fertilizer, but only during the growth period (spring and summer) and in very small quantities.
For Peruvian cereusthe most recommended fertilizer is solid, as it is released slowly by ambient humidity or irrigation water and is very easy to apply.
Cacti need all the usual plant nutrients, but especially nitrogen, magnesium, potassium and iron. Nitrogen, magnesium and iron are both linked to the green color of the plant (they promote chlorophyll production), so a light-exposed cactus suffering from chlorosis will likely need these nutrients.
On the other hand, potassium regulates the hydration of the cactus, which is very important to keep the stems perfectly formed.
COMPO Novatec Universal Fertilizer Blue, 5 kg
- NPK complex fertilizer (Mg+S) 12 + 8 + 16 (+3+25) with magnesium and sulfur + microelements + nitrification inhibitor, Ideal for all types of ornamental plants, shrubs, green plants, roses, citrus fruits, etc.
- The professional technology with the nitrification inhibitor (DMPP) ensuring the stability of nitrogen in the soil, guarantees the maximum utilization of nutrients in the plants and more abundant flowering. Subscription up to 8 weeks available
- Improved formula, with less phosphorus. Eco-friendly
- COMPO quality: raw materials selected according to the original COMPO recipe, Strict quality controls by independent laboratories and institutes, The best conditions for healthy plant growth
- Contents: 1 x COMPO Novatec universal blue fertilizer, 5 kg
For small potted cacti, a dose of 10 to 20 grams once a month in mid-spring and all summer is more than enough. For Peruvian cereus with a size over 2 meters, add 100 grams around the central stem once a month in spring and summer.
Excess moisture in the substrate
Overwatering is a common problem you will encounter, as 95% of such plants will rot rather than dry out.
As a bonus, we always recommend that people less experienced in caring for cacti should water 5-7 days after the day they planned to water. Something like advancing the clock to avoid being late for seats.
A cactus with rotting symptoms is extremely complicated to fix. A rot that travels from the root to the lower part of the stem makes it difficult to apply fungicides and the rapid progression of the rot kills the plant in a few days.
Faced with this symptom, try to oxygenate the substrate by making holes with a toothpick, dry the substrate and apply fungicides (Fosetil Aluminum) or copper formulations.
Most Common Pests
Cacti are a real treat for a large number of scale insects, especially the cottony scale. They are immobile insects that suck the sap and slowly weaken the plant.
If you only have one cactus, cleaning with alcohol dampened with a cotton cloth, rubbing all the stems, will eliminate the pest with relative ease.