{"product_id":"cereus-peruvianus","title":"Peruvian Apple Cactus","description":"\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Peruvian Apple Cactus is a majestic, tree-like columnar cactus prized for its commanding architectural presence and sweet, edible rewards. It forms a bold, upright sculpture of ribbed, blue-green stems that branch gracefully from the base, resembling a candelabra or organ pipe. Its true spectacle unfolds at night, when enormous, creamy-white, fragrant flowers open wide for a single evening. These are followed by smooth-skinned, apple-shaped fruits in shades of violet-red to yellow, revealing a crisp, white flesh dotted with crunchy seeds. A slow-burn investment that pays dividends in beauty and bounty, it is an essential living monument for the water-wise landscape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIconic Candelabra Form:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Develops into a multi-branched, upright tree over many years, with thick, cylindrical, blue-green to grey-green stems featuring 6–13 distinct ribs. Its slow, deliberate growth rewards patience with an irreplaceable sculptural legacy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne-Night Floral Spectacle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Produces huge, funnel-shaped, nocturnal flowers up to 6 inches across. The luminous white petals emit a strong, sweet fragrance, attracting bats and moths for a single, unforgettable night before closing forever at dawn.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSweet, Edible \"Peruvian Apples\":\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Bears thornless, rounded fruit ripening from violet-red to yellow. The refreshing, juicy white pulp has a mild, sweet flavour and is studded with edible, crunchy seeds. Enjoy fresh, or use in beverages and preserves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExceptional Drought and Heat Tolerance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Thrives on neglect in full, unrelenting sun. Requires infrequent, deep watering only when soil is bone-dry. Its primary enemy is overwatering and poor drainage, which will cause fatal root rot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTender Giant for Mild Climates:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Hardy to light frost (approx. 25-30°F) when dry. Best in USDA zones 9-11. In colder zones, it is a magnificent, slow-growing container specimen that can be summered outdoors and wintered in a bright, cool indoor space.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Victory Nursery","offers":[{"title":"5 Gallon","offer_id":43748675059800,"sku":null,"price":119.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0692\/8000\/6232\/files\/Peruvian_Apple_Cactus_2.jpg?v=1774856304","url":"https:\/\/victorynursery.us\/products\/cereus-peruvianus","provider":"Victory Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}