Scientific Name
Cereus hildmannianus K. Schum.
Common Name(s)
Andes Organ Pipe, Column Cactus, Hedge Cactus, Hildmann's Cereus, Peruvian Apple, Peruvian Apple Cactus, Queen of the Night, Spiny Tree Cactus
Synonym(s)
Cereus hildmannianus subsp. hildmannianus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cereeae
Genus: Cereus
Description
Cereus hildmannianus is a shrubby or tree-like cactus with many blue-green to dull green branches with 4 to 6 ribs. It grows up to 50 feet (15 m) tall. Mature plants usually have a woody trunk below the lowest branches. The trunk is up to 6.6 feet (2 m) tall and up to 3 feet (90 cm) in diameter. Branches are up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. They are usually spineless but sometimes have a few short golden or brown spines.
The flowers are white or yellowish-white, up to 12 inches (30 cm) long, up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter, and appear from late spring to early fall. They open at night and remain open the following day. Edible fruits are egg-shaped, up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter, and change color from green to pinkish-red.
This species is very similar in appearance and often confused with Cereus repandus. As a result, it is frequently mislabeled as Cereus peruvianus, a synonym of Cereus repandus.
Origin
Cereus hildmannianus is native to South America (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay).
Etymology
The specific epithet "hildmannianus (hild-man-ee-AH-nus)" honors Heinrich Hildmann, a German cactus dealer and expert.
How to Grow and Care for Cereus hildmannianus
Light: Cereus cacti like full sun. They can handle partial shade but thrive during the summer in direct sunlight. Sunny south, east, or west window is a good spot to grow a Cereus indoors.
Soil: These cacti do not like to have "wet feet" and need to be grown in well-draining soil. Use commercial soil mixes for cacti and succulents, or make your own potting mix.
Hardiness: Cereus hildmannianus can withstand temperatures as low as 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b.
Watering: From spring to fall, during the active growth period, water thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry out before watering again. With the arrival of fall, gradually reduce the watering frequency.
Fertilizing: During their growing season, Cereus cacti like regular fertilizing. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, which has been diluted to 1/4 strength, can be added to the water for each watering. Do not feed during the winter.
Repotting: While Cereus cacti are young, it is recommended to repot each year in early spring to provide them with fresh soil, inspect the root system, and move them to larger pots if necessary.
Propagation: Using stem cuttings is the easiest method to propagate Cereus because seed propagation is a slow process.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Cereus.
Toxicity of Cereus hildmannianus
Cereus cacti are non-toxic to humans or animals.
Subspecies of Cereus hildmannianus
Links
- Back to genus Cereus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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