This popular group of cacti from South America consists of about 60 species. These vigorous-growing, mostly columnar-shaped cacti are easy to grow and make excellent container plants when small. Outdoors, when used as landscaping plants, these cacti will usually reach a height of 30 feet or more, growing up to 4 feet per year. Some branch at the top, resembling a candelabrum; others branch close to the base. In the spring or summer, their funnel-shaped flowers open at night closing as the sun rises. They may be white, pink or green and 6 to 8 inches long, growing near the plant's crown. The gorgeous blossoms are followed by green, red, or purple, edible fruits. Cereus validus grows up to 25 feet high with a spread of 10 feet. On new growth, its long spines are shiny black. When the stem reaches a height of 4 feet, beautiful flowers grow intermittently throughout the summer. The white blossoms are stained with salmon or pink. They are followed by greenish-purple fruits. Cereus hildmannianus var. Monstrose (Curiosity Plant; Giant Club) is an interesting variety forming a twisted, dark blue-green stem. The disfigured stem is caused by deformed growing points. The Curiosity Plant is covered with short, red or gold spines. It bears white flowers, which are followed by brown fruits. This plant can grow up to 15 feet high. Cereus aethiops is an attractive plant the forms clumps of tall, slender, blue-green stems adorned with contrasting black spines. When the stem is 3 or 4 feet high, it flowers several times in the summer. Its blossoms are followed by plum-shaped, purplish-brown fruits. This variety can reach a height of 10 feet.

These cacti need a minimum temperature of 45º F. They will tolerate intense heat and sun, if provided with adequate water. They should be grown in very well-drained soil. Their size can be restricted if grown in a small pot.

They can be increased by seeds or cuttings.

Cereus validus;
Cereus hildmannianus var. monstrose;
Cereus aethiops;
Cereus peruvianus (Peruvian Apple; Peruvian Torch) & var. Longispinus (Apple Cactus).