Spineless cultivar of the Brazilian apple cactus, soft and easy to handle

Cereus jamacaru 'Cuddly Cactus' is a spineless cultivar of the large-growing Brazilian cactus. The species originates from northeastern Brazil where it grows in all possible environments from the coast to dry inland deserts.

The wild form is a large tree-like cactus that can grow up to 10 meters high with a short, thick, woody trunk and numerous branches often forming a compact crown. The branches are initially beautifully blue, and the cactus blooms with large white flowers that open at dusk and wilt by morning, each flower lasting only a single night. The fruit is intensely purple with white, tasty pulp and small black seeds.

The genus name Cereus means torch or light, while the species name jamacaru is believed to originate from the indigenous Tupi word "mandacarú" which means "thorny bundle".

Care

Requires full sun and reasonably well-drained soil. Established plants are very drought tolerant but newly planted specimens are slow to get started.

Water regularly during summer but allow the soil to dry between waterings. Keep drier during winter. The lowest average temperature is about 7 degrees Celsius and it should be kept frost-free.

Use well-drained cactus soil, preferably with added gravel or sand. Ideal temperature 18-30 degrees Celsius during the growing season.