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Rose Cactus
Scientific Name: Pereskia grandifolia Haw.
Synonym: Rhodocactus grandifolius, Cactus grandifolius, Pereskia grandiflora, Pereskia tampicana, Rhodocactus tampicanus
Family: Cactaceae

Show Larger Picture Pereskia grandifolia in winter at the Huntington Botanical Gardens (HBG 1158)

Recommended Temperature Zone: USDA: 9b-11 Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 26°F (-3°C), the leaves are deciduous below 50°F (10°C). They grow back at the end of March in Phoenix Minimum Avg. Temperature: 50°F (10°C) Heat Tolerance: Avoid afternoon sun in Phoenix Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade Origin: Brazil (Espirito Santo and Minas Gerais in dry forests and savanna, at 200 to 500 feet elevation), reported up to Mexico (Pereskia tampicana), but it might have escaped cultivation. Growth Habits: Deciduous shrub, slowly up to 18 feet tall (5 m), trunks up to 8 inches in diameter (20 cm) Watering Needs: Enjoy some humidity in the air. They need good drainage, but the soil should stay moist in summer. Keep drier in winter. Propagation: Seeds, cuttings

Blooming Habits:
The Rose Cactus blooms in summer with flowers that open during the day. They are followed by pear-shaped fruit (see picture).

Propagation:
Contrarily to other cacti, the cuttings should be planted immediately in a light, porous soil. Keep the mixture moist. The cuttings will also generally root in water.