Pereskia Tropical Barbados Gooseberry Thorny Rose Fruiting Lemon Cactus Live Plant Unusual Colored Leaves Starter Size 4 Inch Pot Emerald TM

Although 'tropical cactus' seems like it might be a naming error, Pereskias are true members of the cacti family. But they are members of a genus native to the rainforests of South America. This cactus reaches maturity as a heavily thorned, erect, woody shrub, and then spreads out to run, vine ,and climb.

Adding to perplexity, Pereskias are known by many common names that are frequently used interchangeably across the 15-20 species that make up the genus, which was recently renamed to Leuenbergeria. Common names include Barbados, Spanish or West Indies Gooseberry, Lemon Vine, Lemon Cactus, Sweet Mary, Blade Apple, Rose or Gold Leaf Cactus, or just Leaf or Tropical Cactus.

The species plant, Pereskia aculeata, is a very large, growing, sprawling plant with wickedly long, hard thorns that produces a tasty, edible fruit. However, it has little to no use or value as an ornamental or edible garden element due to its unmanageable growth habit. However, 'Godseffiana' is a selected cultivar that is much smaller in stature and not invasive, with many other attractive and desirable features.

The large leaves are fleshy and cactus-like and go through a range of beautiful, unusual colors as they age. Leaves begin burgundy, fade to peach, then golden yellow to mature in a soft pastel shade of olive green. The coloration will vary depending on light level, temperature, and humidity.

Godseffiana flowers in the summer and fall. The flowers range in color from white to creamy yellow tinged pink, and have a light, somewhat lemony fragrance. An edible fruit follows the flowers. However, this plant does not fruit as easily or heavily as the larger growing species and rarely produces fruit when grown in colder climates or indoors.

Pereksia is a unique item and makes a great conversation piece. It is frequently grown in large hanging baskets or in planters hanging over a wall or fence, or incorporated into large, outdoor garden pots.

Its thorny, but non-invasive habit makes it useful as a boundary planting to discourage intruders.

Care for this plant requires a blending of standard care for succulents and tropical plants. It requires the full spectrum of light for 4 to 6 hours daily, coarse soil or potting media with superior drainage ability, warm temperatures with a day/night differential, and high humidity.

Recommended for growing outdoors in USDA Growing Zones 9, 10, 11. Cold protection is recommended in all Zones.

While this plant can be grown indoors, much like any other succulent or cactus, it requires higher humidity levels. Careful consideration should be given to the mature size and handling risk presented by the thorns.