Cereus peruvianus

Peruvian Apple Cactus, Night-Blooming Cereus, Columnar Cactus

Message of the Flower

Fortune

The Mother’s Comment

Very attractive, but beware - it pricks!

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

All wealth belongs to the Divine and those who hold it are trustees, not possessors. It is with them today, tomorrow it may be elsewhere. All depends on the way they discharge their trust while it is with them, in what spirit, with what consciousness in their use of it, to what purpose.

Sri Aurobindo, The Mother with Letters on The Mother: The Mother - IV

Most spiritual disciplines insist on a complete self-control, detachment and renunciation of all bondage to wealth and of all personal and egoistic desire for its possession. Some even put a ban on money and riches and proclaim poverty and bareness of life as the only spiritual condition. But this is an error; it leaves the power in the hands of the hostile forces. To reconquer it for the Divine to whom it belongs and use it divinely for the divine life is the supramental way for the Sadhaka.

Sri Aurobindo, The Mother with Letters on The Mother: The Mother - IV

The ideal Sadhaka in this kind is one who if required to live poorly can so live and no sense of want will affect him or interfere with the full inner play of the divine consciousness, and if he is required to live richly, can so live and never for a moment fall into desire or attachment to his wealth or to the things that he uses or servitude to self-indulgence or a weak bondage to the habits that the possession of riches creates. The divine Will is all for him and the divine Ananda.

Sri Aurobindo, The Mother with Letters on The Mother: The Mother - IV

Colour

white

Family

Cactaceae

Cultivars

Limited specific cultivars are known.

Flower Size

Large, can be up to 15-20 cm in diameter.

Flower Texture

soft and delicate

Number of Petals

Multiple petals forming a layered effect.

Floral Symmetry

Radially symmetrical.

Fragrance of Flower

The flowers are often fragrant, especially at night.

Leaf Texture

Does not have true leaves; the stems are ribbed and spiny.

Leaf Arrangement

Not applicable (leafless cactus).

Leaf Color

Green (referring to stem color).

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Grows as a tall, columnar cactus.

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Flowers bloom at night, typically in the summer.

Climate

Prefers arid and semi-arid climates.

Water Requirements

Low; drought-tolerant.

Soil Type

Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil.

Temperature Ranges

Tolerant of a wide range of temperatures but not frost-hardy.

Sun or Shade

Prefers full sun.

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Susceptible to root rot if overwatered; can attract pests like mealybugs.

Pollinators

Pollinated by nocturnal insects and bats.

Habitat

Native to South America, adapted to dry environments.

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides habitat and food for various desert wildlife.

Ornamental

Valued as an ornamental plant for its striking appearance.

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Primarily ornamental and for fruit production.

Endangered Status

Not listed as endangered.