Common
name: "Column Cactus" or "Apple
Cactus"
Latin name: Cereus uruguayanus - syn Cereus peruvianus
Native
to: South East Brazil to Northern Argentina.
Growth habit: A tree like columnar cactus with 5 or
more ribs. Maximum height is 15', indoors to 10' in height.
Each column could be 14" or less in diameter.
Flowers: Yes, large white flowers open in the wee hours
of the morning closing before day light.
Temps: Normal indoor temps
Humidity: Not critical.
Pests: Watch for scale.
Lighting:
Pictured
Houseplant:
14" Spiraled Column Cactus
Cultural
information: This nice plant has spiraled ribs.
Specimens with spiraled ribs are difficult to find. Generally most
"Column Cactus" have straight ribs. Place your "Column Cactus" in a sunny
area. You'll only need to water your plant every 3 to 4 weeks.
Never allow the soil to become "bone" or
"dust" dry. Feed two or three times per year... making
sure one of your fertilizer applications is at the very end of
winter. This will help your plant to flower. Click the inset
flower to see a larger image.
"Column Cactus" are available in a wide range of
sizes from small 6" pots to large specimens like the pictured
plant.
