Synonyms:

No synonyms are recorded for this cultivar name.

Habitat:

Cereus peruvianus var. coral f. crested, a cultivar of Cereus peruvianus, is a horticultural novelty that does not occur in the wild. Cereus peruvianus, the parent species, is native to South America but has been widely cultivated worldwide for ornamental and barrier purposes. Although its precise origin remains uncertain, it is believed to originate from the western Caribbean or Venezuela, possibly extending to Brazil. The species has been successfully grown in various tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, and its potential as a minor fruit crop has been explored in countries such as the Netherlands Antilles, other Caribbean islands, Mexico, Israel, and the United States. Despite its widespread cultivation, it is considered a weed in some regions, including South Africa. Although the species’ flowers only bloom at night, diurnal bees can still act as pollinators since the flowers remain open for a few hours during the evening or early morning.

Description:

Cereus peruvianus var. coral f. crested is an unusual cactus that differs from the typical columnar cacti due to a genetic anomaly called fasciation. This alteration causes cells to multiply primarily along a central axis, resulting in an elongated and flattened stem that is perpendicular to the normal direction of cellular growth. Crested specimens are distinct in appearance and highly coveted by succulent enthusiasts. The “Coral” variety is rather similar to the regular crested form of Cereus peruvianus: it differs only for the coral tinges of its spines and of the apical parts of its stem. The regular Cereus peruvianus is a tree-like plant that can grow up to 10 meters tall and has upright or slightly curved branches, often with separate trunks. The crested form, both in the Coral variety and in the regular C. peruvianus crested, has instead multiple, fan-shaped, whorled stems, typically 6-8 cm in thickness, with a gray-green to blue-green hue, with orange-reddish tinges in the “Coral” form. The rounded ribs are compressed and low, while the small and widely spaced areoles are covered in orange-reddis wool. The yellow-orange, needle-like spines can be numerous or absent and often have a reddish-brown bristly appearance. Flowers of Cereus peruvianus are typically white with reddish tips, they only bloom for a single night. Although, crested specimens may not produce flowers, as the genetic abnormality alters the ability of the buds to differentiate flowers: the same things happens to Cereus peruvianus v. Coral f. crested.

Cultivation:

Being a crested form, Cereus peruvianus v. coral f. crested is not the easiest species to cultivate. Here below are some tips:

To ensure optimal growth of Cereus peruvianus v. coral f. crested, it is important to provide it with a well-ventilated, sunny location, preferably facing south. The crested form prefer a minor amount of sunlight than the regular Cereus peruvianus: protect it from direct sunlight at least during the hottest hours of summer days. The stem color should be monitored, as a lighter color can indicate insufficient light. This variety of Cereus cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C. In the summer, it is recommended to water Cereus peruvianus var. coral f. crested every 3-4 days, providing ample water but avoiding standing water. During fall, watering should gradually decrease, and in winter when the plant is dormant, watering can be reduced or stopped entirely. A light, well-draining soil is ideal for Cereus peruvianus var. coral f. crested, such as a cactus-specific soil with added coarse sand. This plant has vigorous growth and requires regular fertilization every 15 days with a nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compound. Fertilizer should be used in minimal doses, approximately one-third of the recommended amount on the packaging or less. Cereus peruvianus var. coral f. crested has a slow growth rate and doesn’t require frequent repottings. Once every two years is frequently sufficient. Care should be taken during this operation, as the thorns can make it difficult. Clay pots are preferred, as they promote transpiration in the plant. 

Propagation:

Cereus peruvianus v. coral f. crested is a plant that can only be propagated through cuttings. This is because the crested forms are a genetic mutation that cannot be maintained in seeds. If you want to propagate this plant, the ideal time to do it is in the spring. To start, allow the cut wound to heal before planting the cutting in slightly damp, fresh cactus soil. It is important to keep the soil moist until the cutting takes root, which typically takes about 1-2 months. Grafting is also an alternative method to propagate this plant. This method involves combining a Cereus peruvianus v. f. crested cutting with the rootstock of another cactus plant to create a new plant. Grafting is usually done during the growing season and requires some skill and patience to ensure the success of the graft. Regardless of the propagation method you choose, remember to give your plant plenty of care and attention to help it thrive.

Curiosity:

The crested form of Cereus peruvianus is commonly known as “Crested Peruvian Apple Cactus” due to its distinctive crest or tuft of spines on its top. The Coral variety, instead, is popular for the coral tinges of the stem tips and of the numerous spines on the crests. The name “Cereus” comes from the Latin word “cērēus”, which means “waxen” or “made of wax”. It is believed to have been given to this genus of cacti because the flowers of some species were thought to resemble candles made of wax. The name was first used by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century when he described several species of cacti and assigned them to the genus Cereus. Today, the genus Cereus is part of the larger family of cacti known as Cactaceae and includes over 30 species.

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