The Plant List

Cereus repandus 'Monstrosus'

Common: Peruvian apple cactus, Night blooming Cereus
Family: Cactaceae
Origin: South America
Sunset Zone: 16, 17, 21-24
Temperature: Needs protection from hard frosts.
Light: Full sun or bright light
Soil: Tolerant
Water: Drench thoroughly, but allow to become dry between waterings. Tolerates some aridity.

Striking outline, effective in large containers, rock gardens, and with other cacti.

Tall, branching, tree-like cactus, eventually reaching 30-50 ft. Smaller, slower growing than other cereus species, with ribs irregularly broken up into knobs and crests.

Striking bluish green, especially when young; deep-ribbed with scattered spines.

Night blooming; white flowers 6-7 in. long, 5 in. across, usually in June. Very fragrant.

People in the Victorian era adored these plants and held parties on the night of the bloom apparent and toasted the flower with sherry.