Happy Urban Dirt

There are many varieties of cactus within the cactus family. Almost as many as you can have for these plants. One of them is Cereus repandus, also known as Cereus peruvianus. Do you know it?

Here we leave you a guide with the characteristics you should know about Cereus repandus, as well as care if you have it at home or want to have it. You can refer to it to improve the quality of your plant.

What does Cereus repandus look like?

When searching for information on Cereus repandus, keep in mind that this species is more often encountered under other names. One of the most common is Cereus peruvianus. However, there are others such as Cereus Uruguayanus, candelabra cactus or computer cactus.

It is native to Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, although it can now be found in many other countries. It was first described in 1768 by the British horticulturist and botanist Philip Miller.

Visually, we are talking about a columnar cactus, consisting of one or more stems, which can easily reach a height of 15 meters. It is enormous (stems can be 15-20 centimeters hefty (in diameter)), straight and thorny. However, if it is grown in a pot, it is not uncomplicated for it to reach such a height and at most it stays at a height of 1-2 meters.

The youngest specimens have a blue-green hue, but as they mature this hue fades and the plants become dim green.

As for the ribs, they are there. There are usually five to eight of them, and they are quite wide and noticeable (especially since deep depressions and dents will appear).

It has, except for the areolas in those indentations we told you about, which will be full of white hairs from which seven petite, separate, brown spikes grow (except in exceptional cases, which may measure five centimetres).

Like many other cacti, Cereus repandus also flowers, but you will only see it in larger and more mature specimens. The flowers will be about 15 centimeters long, with white and brownish-green petals. The flowering period is in the summer. In addition, the flowers open only at night.. One night, because then it withers. If you are lucky and the flower is pollinated, the fruits will come, they will be red and will be 2.5 to 5 cm in diameter.

Cereus repandus care

After learning a little more about Cereus repandusDo you dare to have it at home? This is one of the cacti that you can have both indoors and outdoors. In fact, if you have it indoors, it grows much faster than outdoors. But what other care do you need? We explain it to you.

location and temperature

as we told youCereus repandus can be kept indoors and outdoors. This is a variety that, although it needs sun, does not need direct sunlight (especially if it is not used to it), because it burns very easily. Therefore:

If you want the plant indoors, place it in a spot where it will receive several hours of direct sunlight. (but checking to make sure it doesn’t burn her, if so, indirect delicate is always better) and the rest of the day indirect sun. This will allow her to grow about 30 centimeters per year.

If you want to keep it outside, it is better to choose a semi-shady spot, because this way you will make sure that the sun does not do its job, especially in the summer. If the specimen is already accustomed to the sun, you can leave it in full sun. And what does his growth look like in this case? Well, we are talking about growth from 50 centimeters to 1.2 meters per year (of course, a lot depends on providing the plant with appropriate conditions and space to grow).

When it comes to temperature, the heat is not a problem, but neither is the chilly, at least until the temperature drops to -3ºC. If it’s a minor problem, then yes, it can get worse. However, in the first years, or when the specimen is adolescent, it will pose a greater risk because it will not be used to it.

Subsoil

As with many other plants, the soil for Cereus repandus must be delicate and, in this case, wealthy in nutrients. A good mix of cactus soil with added mulch and perlite will work well. This way you will provide the plant with everything it needs.

Repotting is done about every two years (at least if you have it in a pot). However, you need to fill it with mulch every year to keep the soil acidic.

Irrigation

Cereus repandus should always be watered during its growth period, that is, in spring and summer. During this time, you should water whenever you notice that the soil is droughty a few centimeters above. If not, you should wait.

In winter (and autumn) you can water the plant once a month, however, if the environment is very moist, we recommend refraining from watering.

Subscriber

Cereus repandus belongs to the cacti that are very grateful for fertilization. Given that this is a plant that grows very quickly, additional nutrients will come in handy. The best? Ponderous-release ones, high in potassium and phosphorus, and low in nitrogen.

Plagues and diseases

Although it is fairly pest resistant, we would advise caution with whiteflies, which can affect not only the noticeable area but also the roots themselves. They can also be an attraction to the red spider mite that will grow out of it.

When it comes to diseases, the most solemn one is root rot, that it may rot and the cactus will disappear.

Multiplication

To propagate Cereus repandus it is best to apply the seeds of its fruit.

They are harvested from the fruit of the cactus and must be cleaned for planting in the spring. They are quite rapid (they germinate before other cactus varieties), but are therefore fine.

In spring they should be planted in pots with good soil. and if you keep them at a constant temperature of 25ºC, after 14-28 days you will see that they start to come out and grow. Until they are well rooted, you should not touch them, and only then transfer them to a petite pot to start growing.

Another way to propagate is to root a part of the stem. This is not uncomplicated, however, and also means “breaking” the plant itself. Finally, cuttings are another option that is less destructive and may provide a better solution.

As you can see, Cereus repandus is not a cactus that will give you much trouble, and yet it can be very decorative for your cactus garden. Would you dare to have it?