Ornatec InternationalSpecies reference sheet ยท ornatecinternational.com
Cereus repandus
Peruvian Apple Cactus
Cereus repandus is the Peruvian Apple Cactus, a tall columnar species that branches into a candelabra with age and reaches the scale of a small tree. The ribbed blue-green stems are leafless and armed at the areoles, and large white flowers open for a single night in summer, followed by smooth red-skinned fruit with sweet white flesh.
It is specified as a vertical accent in arid gardens and courtyards, where the architecture of the plant carries the design and the water requirement is close to nil.
Specifications
- Height6 to 10 metres
- Width2 to 3 metres
- Native toNorthern South America and the southern Caribbean
- FoliageLeafless; ribbed columnar blue-green succulent stems with spined areoles; evergreen
- Growth rateModerate
Conditions
- SoilRequires free-draining sandy or gravelly soils and will not tolerate waterlogging
- LightFull sun
- WaterLow; drought-tolerant once established
- ClimateThrives in hot arid and semi-arid regions and is damaged by frost
Additional Features
- FormColumnar stems branching into a candelabra crown with age
- FlowersLarge white nocturnal flowers opening for a single night in summer
- FruitSmooth red-skinned fruit with sweet white flesh, edible
- UsesIdeal for arid feature planting, xeriscape schemes, courtyards and architectural accents
- SpacingPlant 1.5 to 2.5 metres apart for a grouped stand
- Low MaintenanceNeeds no routine care beyond the removal of damaged stems
- Pest ResistanceGenerally pest-free where drainage is sharp
- Drought ToleranceHolds condition through extended rainless periods
The Peruvian Apple Cactus gives a courtyard or arid garden real vertical presence on almost no water at all.
Availability by project review. Sizes, quantities, origin and export readiness are confirmed after your plant schedule is reviewed against destination, timing and quarantine requirements. MEWA certified for supply into Saudi Arabia; Australian Export Registered Establishment.
Enquiries: sales@ornatecinternational.com
310 Donkin Rd, Utchee Creek QLD 4871, Australia
Prepared 09 September 2026