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Cereus (Cereus)
Cereus are highly distinctive plants. The Latin name Cereus of this genus is derived from the Greek word for "candle" presumably due to cacti in this genus commonly being tall and columnar in form (some grow up to 15 m!). Cereus also tend to have deep ribs and lots of spines along with sporting large, showy flowers, which are usually white, pink, or pale purple in color. 
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Succulent
Key Facts About Cereus
Feedback
Attributes of Cereus
Plant Height
1 m
Spread
15 cm
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 41 ℃
Scientific Classification of Cereus
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies
Family
Cactuses
Genus
Cereus
Distribution of Cereus
Feedback
Distribution Map of Cereus
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Cereus
Feedback
Cereus, a distinct cacti genus, requires minimal care to thrive, making it ideal for novice gardeners. Overseen exploiting bright sunlight, the plant is drought-tolerant yet calls for moderate watering during its bloom period. Ideal temperature ranges from 65-85 °F, favoring well-draining, sandy soil. The plant's challenges primarily revolve around root rot, mealybugs, and spider mites, especially in poorly ventilated, humid conditions. Seasonally, spring stands crucial for initial growth, while winter necessitates a reduction in water intake. Regular monitoring is recommended to ensure healthy growth.
How to Water Cereus?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Cereus?
How to Propagate Cereus?
How to Plant Cereus?
Exploring the Cereus Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Mandacaru
Mandacaru is a spiny flowering succulent tree that has no leaves. In spring, the blossoms bloom at dusk and wither by the morning. In the past, it has been used for timber and construction or feed for livestock at times of drought; now, it can be used as a living fence or as an ornamental.
Blue cereus
Blue cereus (Cereus hexagonus) is a tree-like cactus that can grow to 15 m tall. It has a grayish-green twisted stalk with thorns along the five ridges. It blooms from spring to summer with large white blossoms that open at night. Flowers are funnel-shaped and can be up to 25 cm long. Edible fruits are pale red and ripen in fall. Grows best in full sun with well-drained soil.
Hedge cactus
Hedge cactus (Cereus hildmannianus) is a species of cactus that is native to Brazil, Argentina, and other South American countries. Hedge cactus has a tree-like appearance and will grow a woody trunk and branches up to 15 m tall. It produces large white flowers that are nearly 30 cm in diameter.
Fairy castle cactus
Fairy castle cactus is a miniature Cereus tetragonus 'Fairy Castle' that grows as clumps of columnar spires that resemble a castle’s turrets. A spiny succulent that grows slowly and blooms only infrequently, it is an extremely popular choice for indoor growing in full-sun locations.
Mexican fence post cactus
Mexican fence post cactus (Cereus marginatus) is a cactus native to Central Mexico where it is often cultivated as a living fence. This species is planted as a barrier so frequently throughout Mexico that it is also called the Mexican fence post cactus. Mexican fence post cactus grows best in well-drained, rocky soil.
Moonlight cactus
Moonlight cactus (Cereus spegazzinii) is a plant species native to Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia. The moonlight cactus is widely distributed in the wild where it grows at the edges of forests and is not considered endangered. This species is often grown in pots and rocky gardens.
Giant club cactus
Giant club cactus is a large, erect, thorny columnar cactus found in South America.It is an unresearched, under-utilized cactus, grown mostly as an ornamental plant. And it has some local culinary importance. The Wayuu from the La Guajira Peninsula of Colombia and Venezuela also use the inner cane-like wood of the plant in wattle and daub construction.
Cereus × roseo-purpureus
Cereus × roseo-purpureus is a striking hybrid cactus known for its tall, ribbed, columnar stems that can rise several meters. Its large nocturnal blooms, displaying vivid hues of rose and purple, contrast starkly against the green of the stems. Adaptable to arid conditions, cereus × roseo-purpureus conserves water, thriving in environments that challenge less resilient species. The stunning bloom display is brief, encouraging rapid pollination.
All Species of Cereus
Mandacaru
Mandacaru
Mandacaru is a spiny flowering succulent tree that has no leaves. In spring, the blossoms bloom at dusk and wither by the morning. In the past, it has been used for timber and construction or feed for livestock at times of drought; now, it can be used as a living fence or as an ornamental.
Blue cereus
Blue cereus
Blue cereus (Cereus hexagonus) is a tree-like cactus that can grow to 15 m tall. It has a grayish-green twisted stalk with thorns along the five ridges. It blooms from spring to summer with large white blossoms that open at night. Flowers are funnel-shaped and can be up to 25 cm long. Edible fruits are pale red and ripen in fall. Grows best in full sun with well-drained soil.
Hedge cactus
Hedge cactus
Hedge cactus (Cereus hildmannianus) is a species of cactus that is native to Brazil, Argentina, and other South American countries. Hedge cactus has a tree-like appearance and will grow a woody trunk and branches up to 15 m tall. It produces large white flowers that are nearly 30 cm in diameter.
Fairy castle cactus
Fairy castle cactus
Fairy castle cactus is a miniature Cereus tetragonus 'Fairy Castle' that grows as clumps of columnar spires that resemble a castle’s turrets. A spiny succulent that grows slowly and blooms only infrequently, it is an extremely popular choice for indoor growing in full-sun locations.
Mexican fence post cactus
Mexican fence post cactus
Mexican fence post cactus (Cereus marginatus) is a cactus native to Central Mexico where it is often cultivated as a living fence. This species is planted as a barrier so frequently throughout Mexico that it is also called the Mexican fence post cactus. Mexican fence post cactus grows best in well-drained, rocky soil.
Moonlight cactus
Moonlight cactus
Moonlight cactus (Cereus spegazzinii) is a plant species native to Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia. The moonlight cactus is widely distributed in the wild where it grows at the edges of forests and is not considered endangered. This species is often grown in pots and rocky gardens.
Giant club cactus
Giant club cactus
Giant club cactus is a large, erect, thorny columnar cactus found in South America.It is an unresearched, under-utilized cactus, grown mostly as an ornamental plant. And it has some local culinary importance. The Wayuu from the La Guajira Peninsula of Colombia and Venezuela also use the inner cane-like wood of the plant in wattle and daub construction.
Cereus × roseo-purpureus
Cereus × roseo-purpureus
Cereus × roseo-purpureus is a striking hybrid cactus known for its tall, ribbed, columnar stems that can rise several meters. Its large nocturnal blooms, displaying vivid hues of rose and purple, contrast starkly against the green of the stems. Adaptable to arid conditions, cereus × roseo-purpureus conserves water, thriving in environments that challenge less resilient species. The stunning bloom display is brief, encouraging rapid pollination.
Green finger
Green finger
Green finger is a spiny, cylindrical cactus native to tropical forests of Brazil. This slow-growing plant can live over 50 years and produces showy white flowers that bloom at night, attracting pollinating bats.
Sweetpotato cactus 'Spiralis'
Sweetpotato cactus 'Spiralis'
A unique cactus cultivar, sweetpotato cactus 'Spiralis' is a rare cactus with columnar, blue-green stems. It blooms profusely in the summer, bearing white flowers and ornamental red fruits. Sweetpotato cactus 'Spiralis' grows slowly and thus does not often need to be repotted.
Monstrose Apple Cactus
Monstrose Apple Cactus
Growers will be relieved to learn that Cereus repandus f. monstrosa gets its name ’Monstrosa’ from its large size, not from its appearance. This is a particularly tall growing variety of an already large cactus. It is a popular houseplant grown for its interesting appearance and large water-holding stem.
Spiraled cereus
Spiraled cereus
The striking and easily identifiable spiraled cereus (Cereus forbesii 'Spiralis') is characterized by the spiraling shape of its stems. A heavy bloomer, this species produces enormous white-pink flowers during pollination season. It is native to Peru and began appearing in European collections only in the 1980s.
Queen of the night
Queen of the night
Queen of the night is a resilient columnar cactus often recognized for its ribbed, green stems that can tower up to 6 meters tall. Its nocturnal white flowers bloom briefly, inviting pollination, while the fleshy, spiny exterior is adapted to arid environments by retaining moisture and deterring herbivores. Thriving in rocky soils, queen of the night's root system anchors it against strong winds.
Cardon mesopotamico
Cardon mesopotamico
Growing up to 8 m tall in a cylindrical shape, the cardon mesopotamico is a cactus with yellow and black spines that grow up to 4.5 cm long. The flowers it produces in the summer months are pink and red in a funnel-like shape and they bear egg-shaped fruits in red and orange colours that can be eaten in moderation.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Cereus
Cereus
Cereus are highly distinctive plants. The Latin name Cereus of this genus is derived from the Greek word for "candle" presumably due to cacti in this genus commonly being tall and columnar in form (some grow up to 15 m!). Cereus also tend to have deep ribs and lots of spines along with sporting large, showy flowers, which are usually white, pink, or pale purple in color.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Succulent
Key Facts About Cereus
Feedback
Attributes of Cereus
Plant Height
1 m
Spread
15 cm
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 41 ℃
Scientific Classification of Cereus
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Cactuses Genus
Cereus Distribution of Cereus
Feedback
Distribution Map of Cereus
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Cereus
Feedback
Cereus, a distinct cacti genus, requires minimal care to thrive, making it ideal for novice gardeners. Overseen exploiting bright sunlight, the plant is drought-tolerant yet calls for moderate watering during its bloom period. Ideal temperature ranges from 65-85 °F, favoring well-draining, sandy soil. The plant's challenges primarily revolve around root rot, mealybugs, and spider mites, especially in poorly ventilated, humid conditions. Seasonally, spring stands crucial for initial growth, while winter necessitates a reduction in water intake. Regular monitoring is recommended to ensure healthy growth.
How to Water Cereus?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Cereus?
How to Propagate Cereus?
How to Plant Cereus?
Exploring the Cereus Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Mandacaru
Mandacaru is a spiny flowering succulent tree that has no leaves. In spring, the blossoms bloom at dusk and wither by the morning. In the past, it has been used for timber and construction or feed for livestock at times of drought; now, it can be used as a living fence or as an ornamental.
Blue cereus
Blue cereus (Cereus hexagonus) is a tree-like cactus that can grow to 15 m tall. It has a grayish-green twisted stalk with thorns along the five ridges. It blooms from spring to summer with large white blossoms that open at night. Flowers are funnel-shaped and can be up to 25 cm long. Edible fruits are pale red and ripen in fall. Grows best in full sun with well-drained soil.
Hedge cactus
Hedge cactus (Cereus hildmannianus) is a species of cactus that is native to Brazil, Argentina, and other South American countries. Hedge cactus has a tree-like appearance and will grow a woody trunk and branches up to 15 m tall. It produces large white flowers that are nearly 30 cm in diameter.
Fairy castle cactus
Fairy castle cactus is a miniature Cereus tetragonus 'Fairy Castle' that grows as clumps of columnar spires that resemble a castle’s turrets. A spiny succulent that grows slowly and blooms only infrequently, it is an extremely popular choice for indoor growing in full-sun locations.
Show More Species
All Species of Cereus
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
