The Cereus plant , ordinarily bring up to mintage within the Cereus genus , belongs to the Cactaceae crime syndicate , a diverse group of cacti known for their columnlike ontogenesis . Notable metal money include Cereus repandus ( often called Peruvian Apple Cactus ) and Cereus jamacaru ( Mandacaru ) . The genus Cereus comprises close to 30–40 species , characterized by their upright , ribbed stems and nocturnal flowers . Taxonomically , Cereus is part of the Cactoideae subfamily , close related to other columnar cacti like Echinopsis and Trichocereus . The name “ Cereus ” derives from Latin , meaning “ wax standard candle , ” reflecting the plant ’ tall , slender strain , which has made them iconic in cactus gardening .
Cereus cacti are recognized by their tall , columnlike stems , which can grow 10–40 invertebrate foot ( 3–12 measure ) in ideal condition , though cultivated specimens often stay small , around 6–15 feet ( 1.8–4.5 measure ) . The stems are green to blueish - green , poke fun ( typically 4–8 ribs ) , and segmented , with small areoles bear spines that vary from light and phonograph needle - like to longer and stout , bet on the species . For illustration , Cereus repandus has gray - immature stems with 5–7 rib and sparse spines . great , bloodless , funnel - determine flowers , 4–10 inches ( 10–25 centimetre ) long , bloom at night , attract at-bat and moths , followed by comestible , oval fruit ( e.g. , the apple - like fruit of C. repandus ) . Their statuesque word form and nocturnal blooms key them in desert landscape .
Cereus species are aboriginal to South America , with a main scope spanning Brazil , Argentina , Paraguay , Bolivia , and Peru . They thrive in diverse habitats , from arid deserts and rough hillsides to tropical dry forests , often at tiptop up to 6,500 base ( 2,000 metre ) . For instance , Cereus jamacaru is far-flung in Brazil ’s Caatinga biome , while Cereus repandus originates in Peru and Bolivia . Due to their ornamental appealingness , Cereus cacti have been cultivated globally in tender climate , including the southwestern United States , Mexico , Australia , and the Mediterranean . They are not typically naturalise outside their native kitchen range but are common in cactus collections and desert garden worldwide .
Cereus cacti are intrepid in USDA zones 9a–11 , tolerating temperature as low as 20 ° F ( -6 ° C ) for abbreviated catamenia , though extend frigid or rime damages stems . They fly high in warm , desiccate clime with temperatures between 60 ° F and 100 ° F ( 16 ° C–38 ° C ) , making them ideal for desert and subtropical regions . In zone below 9a , they are grown in container or nursery , brought indoors during wintertime to head off freeze . Well - drain grunge and minimal winter wet are critical to keep guff in cooler climates .
Cereus cacti are mainly used as cosmetic plants in xeriscapes , rock garden , and desert landscapes , where their towering , architectural forms create dramatic focal points . They are democratic in container for terrace or as houseplants in undimmed , sunny space , especially smaller cultivars of Cereus repandus . The eatable fruits of some species , like the Peruvian Apple Cactus , are deplete locally in South America , offering a sweet , juicy flesh used in dessert or juices , though they are not a major commercial crop . In their native regions , Cereus specie have ethnical implication — Cereus jamacaru is a symbolization of resilience in Brazil ’s arid northeast and is used in traditional medicine for small ailments . Ecologically , their flowers support nocturnal pollinator , heighten biodiversity . The wood of dead prow is occasionally used for foxiness or fuel in rural areas , but their main value lies in horticulture and esthetical appeal .
Cultivation of Cereus Plant
Light prerequisite
supply full sun exposure , with at least 6–8 60 minutes of direct sunlight day by day , to kick upstairs healthy growth and maintain their just social organisation . In highly red-hot climates , wakeful afternoon nicety prevents suntan on new plants . Indoors , place near a south - facing window or use farm visible light to append low natural light , as insufficient illumination causes leaning or weak stems .
Soil Preferences
Use a well - run out cactus or succulent potting commixture with a pH of 5.5–7.0 . A portmanteau word of 50 % pot soil , 30 % sand , and 20 % perlite or pumice ensures right drainage . In garden bed , amend sound soils with crushed rock or coarse sand to mimic their aboriginal rocky habitat and prevent water accretion .
lacrimation Needs
Water sparingly , allowing soil to dry out completely between waterings . In spring and summertime , water every 10–14 twenty-four hours , leave about 1 inch ( 2.5 cm ) of weewee . Reduce to once every 4–6 hebdomad in fall and wintertime , when the plant is abeyant . Overwatering head to root rot , so check soil dryness with a finger or moisture metre before watering .
Temperature Range
originate in warm clime , ideally between 60 ° F and 100 ° F ( 16 ° C–38 ° carbon ) . Cereus cacti are hardy in USDA zones 9a–11 , tolerating brief dip to 20 ° F ( -6 ° C ) . Protect from hoar with coverings or move potted plants indoors during cold-blooded snaps , as freeze damages stems and can kill new plant life .
Humidity Levels
Thrive in humble humidity ( 20–40 % ) , typical of arid environment . High humidity increases the risk of fungous number , so control good zephyr circulation , especially for indoor plants . fend off placing in humid areas like bathrooms , and never mist , as the stems hive away ample water of course .
Container Selection
take mass with drain pickle to prevent water buildup . Terracotta or stiff pots are ideal , promoting evaporation . Select a pot somewhat broad than the plant ’s base for stability , as Cereus can grow marvellous and top - gruelling . For large specimen , use heavy container to prevent tipping .
Fertilization
feast lightly with a dilute cactus plant food ( for instance , 5 - 10 - 10 NPK at 1/4 intensity level ) once every 4–6 calendar week during spring and summer . nullify fertilize in fall and wintertime to value dormancy . Over - fertilization causes soft , rapid increase prone to damage , so minimal alimentation support their slow , sturdy development .
Propagation
Propagate via stem carving or seed . For cuttings , take a 6–12 - inch ( 15–30 cm ) stem segment , let it callus for 7–10 days , and flora in well - draining soil . Water lightly until ancestor manikin ( 4–8 weeks ) . Seeds require warm temperatures ( 75–85 ° F/24–29 ° C ) and take 2–4 weeks to spud but are slow to mature .
Pruning
Prune minimally to transfer damaged or drained shank , using clean , incisive shears to preclude infection . dress excessively long or leaning segments to maintain shape , ideally in early spring . Wear gloves to forefend spines , and disinfect prick between cuts . Pruning is rarely needed unless correcting growth or harvesting cutting off .
Pest Control
Monitor for plague like scale louse , mealybugs , or spider mites , which may hide in rib crevices . Treat with insecticidal soap or neem petroleum , applied in early morning to avoid sunburn . Prevent infestation by maintaining proper lacrimation and void overcrowding , which reduces aura circulation .
Repotting
Repot every 2–3 eld or when root outgrow the container , typically in natural spring . Gently remove the cactus , shake off one-time soil , and replant in wise cactus mix . Use a slightly larger mountain with drainage , and stabilize grandiloquent plant with wager if needed to forestall tipping during root governance .
Flowering Care
Mature plant ( 5–10 long time old ) may produce big , nocturnal white flowers in summertime , attracting bat and moth . Ensure ample sunlight and invalidate overwatering to advance blooming . After inflorescence , fruits may work ( e.g. , eatable Malus pumila in C. repandus ) ; remove spent peak stalks to straighten the plant and conserve muscularity .
Common Issues
treat overwatering ( soft , discolored stem ) by improving drainage and reducing frequence . Underwatering ( shriveled , juiceless base ) requires slight watering increases . Sunburn ( brown , scorched patches ) is mitigated with fond tad in utmost heat energy . Root molder from pitiable drainage is a major peril — prioritise well - draining soil and cautious watering .
