Light

Grows best in full sunlight and does well in greenhouses and rooms with a lot of windows (for indoor growing). They can also live in shady areas that receive bright light.

Water

Needs water once soil is completely dry during warmer months. They will need less water during the colder months because the cold slows down their growth cycle.

Climate

Peruvian apple cacti prefer a warm climate. They enjoy temperatures in the 60-76°F range. For indoor plants, the temperature can be controlled to follow a seasonal growth schedule if kept in the 50-55°F range during the colder months.

Soil

Use a cactus soil mixture than will drain quickly to avoid root rot. During the growing season (warmer months) use a slow-release fertilizer.

Pests & Diseases

Look out for scale and mealybugs. Scale is a disease that affects cacti both indoors and outdoors. The surface of the cacti will appear gray and crusty when infested with scale. Mealybugs are little grey or light brown insects that gather around the base of the cactus or right under the top soil.

Tips

• Repot each spring until growth is more stable.

• Use a pot with a heavy base, these guys are top heavy!

• Taller clippings will need a bigger pot.

• Water thoroughly to help it set in the soil.

• It will need full sun to help the roots set.

Signs your cactus isn’t happy

• Yellowing stems: lack of nutrients or water

• Rotting smell: root rot

• Shriveling: under watered

• Dry and calloused: under watered