How to Grow and Care for Pereskia

Barbados gooseberry (Pereskia aculeata) is a deciduous vine that can grow to be 10 m long. Barbados gooseberry is native to tropical North America. It grows best in dry conditions and will flourish even when neglected. This species blooms in summer and has both flowers and berries. Its leaves and fruit are edible and nutritious.

Despite its classification as a cactus, rose cactus has the look of a shrub or a small tree with large leaves. It is the only plant species classified as a cactus to have commonly persistent, non-succulent leaves. However, the primary reason for its cultivation is its beautiful rose-like flowers.

Rose cactus (Pereskia bleo) is a leafy cactus native to tropical forests in Central America. The rose cactus produces fruit that is edible, but has a sour taste. This species can be cultivated as a houseplant and in gardens.