Species rose cactus
purple, smooth flower with yellow stamens, white stigma, and green, lanceolate, shiny leaves

rose cactus

Pereskia grandifolia

Rose cactus (Pereskia grandifolia) is a unique succulent plant with sharp spines and a long, olive green stem. Its attractive leaf veins and rose-tinted thorns resemble a true cactus. It blooms with pale yellow flowers in the summmer and produces small, edible, red-ripe fruits. Rose cactus thrives in full sun or partial shade and requires regular watering. It's a great low-maintenance option for gardens, decks, and balconies. Tolerant of heat, this species is an excellent choice for those in subtropical climates. With proper care, Rose cactus can live and grow for many years.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Air Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

10 - 12

Flowers:

Pink Flowers

Sun:

full sun

Fruits:

red,yellow,purple,orange Fruits Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

For the rose cactus, it is recommended to water it at least once per week, and provide enough water so that the soil becomes moist, but not so much that the soil is soggy. Depending on the temperature and the amount of direct sunlight, you may need to slightly increase the amount of water to ensure the soil does not dry out. In general, about 1 to 2 cups of water per week should be sufficient.

sunlight

Rose cactus, also known as Pereskia grandifolia, is a highly tolerant species of cacti that grows best in bright, full sunlight. During the summer months, the rose cactus should receive a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, while during winter months, a minimum of 5 hours of direct sunlight per day should be sufficient. The best time to place the rose cactus in direct sunlight is between 10:00AM and 4:00PM, as the sun is strongest during that period of the day.

pruning

Rose cactus (Pereskia grandifolia) benefits from regular pruning, but should not be pruned too heavily. Pruning should be done in the spring to coincide with the start of its growing season, about 1 month after its last bloom. Remove any shoots that are growing in the wrong direction, or any extra branches that are cluttering the bush. Prune the stems to a manageable length between 8 and 12 inches. This will allow light and air to reach the heart of the bush and encourage further growth, keeping it from getting too top-heavy. Some gardeners like to deadhead the blooms as they fade to encourage further flowering. Deadheading is optional, but can be done with pruning shears. For more dramatic shaping, selective pruning can be done to thin out the inside of the bush as well as the outer edges.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Pereskia grandifolia typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Harvest Fruit

Pereskia grandifolia is typically harvested from April to June.

Starts Flowering

Pereskia grandifolia typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Harvest Fruit

Pereskia grandifolia is typically harvested from April to June.

Hardiness Map