Cereus repandus f. monstrosa: Monstrose Apple Cactus

Cereus repandus f. monstrosa, also called Cereus peruvianus f. monstrosa is a cultivated monstrose form of Cereus repandus f. monstrosa, more commonly known as the Apple Cactus. In the right growing condition this tree-like cactus will grow to sixteen feet (five meters) or taller in height. It branches out with multiple stems growing out from all the way up the “trunk” of the cactus.

It’s a very sculptural cactus and is nicely colored with lovely blues, greens, grays and a light covering of smoky white. In early summer the Monstrose Apple Cactus blooms with big fragrant white flowers that tipped with red. They produce apple-looking fruits that are reddish, egg shaped and about an inch or two in size. These fruits have been called Pitaya or Peruvian Apple and are edible.

How to Grow and Care for the Monstrose Apple Cactus

Like many cacti the Monstrose Apple Cactus thrives on full sun but can also grow happily in partial shade. If they’re grown indoors they’ll be happiest next to the sunniest window in your house. They’re sun lovers and will not thrive in the shade.

A good free-draining soil mix is essential as they don’t like sitting in the wet. Most premium commercially sold cactus and succulent mix soils will be more than adequate for growing this big beauty to it’s fullest potential.

Cereus repandus monstrosa do most of their growing during spring, summer and fall (autumn) which means they’ll also need more water during these seasons. Give them a good water and then let the soil dry before watering again. Basically, the more sun, the more watering required. They require a good watering every couple of weeks if planted in the ground or even more if your Apple Cactus is in a pot with a very free draining soil and in full sun. Over winter they’ll require less water as they won’t be getting as much sun and their growth slows right down.

In spring I’ll give my plants a slow release fertilizer especially formulated for cactus and succulent plants. I’ll also occasionally water them with a diluted mix of seaweed solution while my plants are actively growing. It’s not recommended to fertilize them during winter as they’re not getting as much sunlight and their growth should slow right down.

How to Propagate Cereus repandus f. monstrosa (Apple Cactus Monstrose)

The Monstrose version of the Apple Cactus can be propagated by seed or cutting. Seeds are a much longer and more involved process so most people go the cutting route.

Being such a prolific grower of new arms makes propagation from cutting the easiest and most logical choice. As the cactus matures you’ll have plenty of potential cuttings to choose from. I look for interesting looking arms that are about 20 inches or 50cm in height for my cuttings.

Make a clean cut and let it sit in a dry place for a week or two before planting it into a nice free-draining soil.

Ideally you would propagate while the Apple Cactus is actively growing but I have done it in every season of the year in my climate (Not too far from Sydney, Australia).

Summary of Cereus repandus f. monstrosa

• Family: Cactaceae
• Genus: Cereus
• Species: Cereus repandus f. monstrosa
• Common names: Monstrose Apple Cactus, Curiosity Plant, Peruvian Apple Cactus, Andes Organ Pipe.