About
Cereus repandus is a cactus that can grow in a branching, shrubby, or tree-like form, reaching heights of up to 10 meters. Its cylindrical stems are grey-green to bluish and can measure up to 20 centimeters in diameter. The stems may be segmented and typically feature 8 to 13 distinct ribs. This species produces creamy-white flowers that bloom at night, lasting only a single evening, and may yield spherical or egg-shaped fruits that are edible and can grow up to 4 centimeters in length.
About the genus
This genus comprises approximately 33 species of sizable, columnar cacti that originate from South America. They feature ribbed, spiny stems. The flowers, which are large and funnel-shaped, open at night, primarily in white but occasionally in shades of pink, purple, yellow, green, and, on rare occasions, cream.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1C
Plant details
- Plant type
- Cactus Succulent
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Houseplants, Architectural
- Native to
- Venez., Antilles
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in a standard cactus mix with sharp drainage, in a bright sunny spot; could be placed outdoors in a sheltered spot in summer. Water freely when in growth and keep almost dry at other times. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in early spring or by stem cuttings from branching specimens
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to mealy bugs and scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free, though over-watering will cause rot