General Info – Apple Cactus, Peruvian Apple Cactus, Hedge Cactus
The Apple Cactus produces sweet and juicy fruits, showcasing a remarkable combination of hardiness and flavour. This low-maintenance, attractive cactus yields egg-shaped fruits in various hues, ranging from orange to red and pink. Resembling Dragon Fruits, these fruits feature a soft, succulent white flesh with a delicate sweetness and subtle floral undertones. Embedded within the white flesh are crunchy black seeds, enhancing the overall textural experience. Perfect as a refreshing snack, especially when chilled, these fruits can be used similarly to Dragon Fruit. While highly drought-tolerant once mature, Apple Cactus thrive during a wet summer for optimal growth and flowering, followed by a drier winter period where no watering is necessary. Similar to other members of the Cactaceae family, like Dragon Fruit, excellent drainage is crucial, with plants excelling in partial loam and sandy/gravelly soils. Cross-pollination proves highly beneficial, making at least two plants ideal for cultivating different fruit colors. With reported cold tolerance down to -5 degrees Celsius, coupled with their preference for seasonally dry conditions, the Apple Cactus stands out as an excellent substitute for Dragon Fruit in cooler, drier climates. This columnar cactus can reach heights of up to 10m, making it one of the largest self-supporting cactus species that requires no additional structure for support. Its attractive white-pink, nocturnal flowers, emit a pleasant fragrance, add to its ornamental appeal. Due to its vertical growth habit and tolerance for arid conditions, the Apple Cactus serves as an excellent option for narrow spaces in drier soils. It is also well-suited for container and pot cultivation. In summary, the Apple Cactus not only offers delectable and succulent fruits but also presents an ornamental form and the ability to thrive in drier and cooler conditions, distinguishing it as an exceptional alternative to the Dragon Fruit.
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