Scientific Name
Pereskia grandifolia Haw.
Common Name(s)
Rose Cactus
Synonym(s)
Cactus grandifolius, Pereskia rosea, Rhodocactus grandifolius
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Pereskioideae
Genus: Pereskia
Etymology
The specific epithet "grandifolia" (pronounced "gran-dih-FOH-lee-uh") means "large-leafed" and refers to the size of the leaves of this species.
Origin
Pereskia grandifolia is native to northeastern Brazil.
Description
Pereskia grandifolia, also known as Rhodocactus grandifolius, is a shrubby cactus or small tree with a grayish-brown trunk and rounded crown of branches and leaves. It can grow up to 16.4 feet (5 m) tall. The cushion-shaped areoles are grayish or brownish in color. The new branches can have spineless areoles, while the trunk areoles may have up to 90 black to brown spines that can reach up to 2.6 inches (6.5 cm) in length. The leaves are green, elliptic to ovate or obovate-lanceolate, and can grow up to 9 inches (23 cm) long.
The dense inflorescences develop at the ends of the stems. The flowers are showy, typically pink or purplish, but also available in white or tan, and can reach a diameter of up to 2 inches (5 cm). They appear in summer. The fruits are green, yellowish, or reddish-green when ripe, vary in size and shape, and contain many black seeds.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
How to Grow and Care
As with many cacti, Pereskias can be almost ignored and still flourish. One of the major advantages these plants offer as houseplants is their ease; however, overwatering or overfeeding them poses a greater danger than neglecting them, as it can damage their roots. If you repot them, remember to leave them alone briefly to avoid overstressing them, and keep an eye out for common houseplant pests. Many of these cacti can't be grown as houseplants anyway due to their shrubby growth habit, and others are very rare, but when you find out, Pereskias can be good in cultivation.
They prefer dry conditions and don't require frequent repotting, but it is still a good idea to refresh their soil by repotting them occasionally. Be careful when repotting any cactus to avoid injury from its sharp spines. Lift the plant from its mix and replace it in a new container before backfilling it with soil. Do not water for a few weeks after repotting.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Pereskia.
Links
- Back to genus Pereskia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
