During the growing season, water once every 1-2 weeks, thoroughly soaking whenever soil is dry. In winter, reduce irrigation to only once a month. Cereus repandus is tolerant of most soil conditions, as long as substrate is well-draining and devoid of salinity. For the best growth, however, supplement with 30% organic material, and maintain a pH between 6.1 and 7.8. Provide young plants with light shade. Older plants require bright, direct sun, except during the summer months, when cacti should be moved to partial shade to prevent sun-burn.
The cold tolerance of C. repandus is down to 20°F, USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11, but it must have tip protection. Repot young cacti yearly, during the spring, to provide ample room to grow. Additionally, cacti should be fed with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer in the growing season, and handled with care.
The apple cactus can be propagated through woody stem or softwood cuttings, offsets, or seed. Cuttings should be taken from the top of the stem, and offsets are commonly produced in spring or summer. While propagation from seed is possible, it is usually difficult, and seedlings will only germinate at temperatures between 70-80°F.
