Barbados Gooseberry Plant Care
Pereskia bahiensis Gürke
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pereskia bahiensis is a species of tree-like cactus that is endemic to the Brazilian state of Bahia. It was transferred to Rhodocactus in 2016 as Rhodocactus bahiensis, but this placement was not accepted by Plants of the World Online as of April 2026.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Barbados Gooseberry?
Water Barbados Gooseberry every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 30–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Barbados Gooseberry Native To?
What Is the Barbados Gooseberry?
Barbados Gooseberry (Pereskia bahiensis) belongs to the Cactaceae family within the Pereskia genus. Barbados Gooseberry is native to the Brazilian state of Bahia. Barbados Gooseberry is also known as West Indian Gooseberry, Surinam Cherry.
Barbados Gooseberry displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Barbados Gooseberry produces small, colorful blooms in shades of pink, yellow, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Barbados Gooseberry?
Pereskia bahiensis requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Barbados Gooseberry Need?
Barbados Gooseberry thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Barbados Gooseberry Prefer?
Pereskia bahiensis grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Barbados Gooseberry prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Barbados Gooseberry?
Well-draining cactus mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Barbados Gooseberry to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Barbados Gooseberry?
Feed Barbados Gooseberry every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Barbados Gooseberry?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Barbados Gooseberry?
Barbados Gooseberry can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to barbados gooseberry plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Barbados Gooseberry Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Barbados Gooseberry, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Barbados Gooseberry?
Barbados Gooseberry is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Barbados Gooseberry Need?
Barbados Gooseberry grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Barbados Gooseberry is native to the Brazilian state of Bahia. In cooler regions, grow Barbados Gooseberry as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Barbados Gooseberry is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Pereskia genus — compare its care with other Pereskia species on PlantoScan.
Pereskia is part of the Cactaceae plant family — browse all Cactaceae genera and species.
Barbados Gooseberry thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pereskia bahiensis Gürke, family Cactaceae (first published in in Monatsschr. Kakteenk. 18: 86. 1908.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Barbados Gooseberry, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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